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In 1856, the old Friendly Inn stood at the corner of Lawrence Street and St. Clair Avenue. It was there that our church began as a mission. Early in the 1860's it moved to Waring Street where it was known for eight years as the Waring Street Mission, which was a portable building. The next church was built under the leadership of reverend Dr. Tagg. his church was known as the Superior Street Methodist Church. The old building was then turned over to the Y.M.C.A., which later moved to the corner of Hamilton and Alabama Avenues (now East 26th Street). Because of the many moves our church had made, was nicknamed "The Grasshopper Church." The new church prospered and after a time it became necessary to seek new and larger quarters. In 1893, the present edifice was constructed at the corner of Willson Avenue (now East 55th Street) and Luther Avenue and became known as Willson Avenue. It was located in a delightful residential area of the city. The present edifice was erected under the pastorate of Reverend T. J. Kurtz. Due to prevailing rules of Methodism, Reverend Kurtz was moved on to other vineyards before the project was completed. He was replaced By Reverend T. J. Phillips who supervised the completion of the project and brought the congregation to the new building for a dedication service in November 1893. The grey stone structure was built at a cost of approximately $35,000 and was placed back from Willson Avenue on Luther Avenue, leaving space for further expansion or a parsonage. This area was a beautiful grass plot with a path through the middle from Willson Avenue. It was surrounded by a heavy iron fence with a gate at end of the Willson Avenue path. Little by little, through the years the good old fence was carried away. People used to make shortcuts across the lot and the neighborhood children used it as a playing field. Under the direction of Mr. Raymond Beard, a lawn and some of the original beauty was restored and today the church people are keeping the yard in good order so that it can be used for various church affairs during the year. When the church was dedicated in November of 1893, Dr. T. J. Phillips was the pastor. Dr. H. C. Brainard was the Sunday School Superintendent and Mr. J. H. Dow (his sons formed the Dow Chemical Company) , was church treasurer. Dr. H. C. Brainard was Chairman of the Official Board; Miss Ida Oram was the Organist; Dr. D. H. Mueller was the presiding Elder and Dr. J. M. Walden was the presiding Bishop Charles Shaefer was the contractor. Mr. M and John H. had the responsibility of putting on the roof. Moving forward, the church had many thrilling, and exciting and creditable experiences by both the pastors and members. In December 1966, the church very proudly, but humbly celebrated its 110th Anniversary with Reverend James W. Keller, Pastor: Reverend Dr. Robert H. Courtney, Cleveland District Superintendent: Bishop Francis Kearns, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist of Ohio Past Area and a number of former pastors. In 1968, due to a weakening factor in church support, caused by the withdrawal of its membership as they transferred to outlaying and suburban churches the Rev. Wilbram Strouthers from the General Conference Board of Missions, New York City, was called in by Bishop Kearns to evaluate and secure the congregation. During his administration and evangelistic efforts, the congregation was enhanced and lifted even more when the Mr. Calvary Methodist Church was dissolved and its membership joined Willson Church. During the church's transition, there were many challenges and concerns, but the church was able to overcome it all, thanks tithe Lord. In July 1969, the Rev. Raymond Hayes, a very capable and qualified young minister was appointed by Bishop Frances Kearns to Willson Church and served very well during this very sensitive and transitional period, along with Dr. Gladstone Brown, Cleveland District Superintendent. In July 1971, Rev. Fred D. Wilson Jr. was appointed by Bishop Frances Kearns to Willson Church. A new District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Cromwell was also appointed. When Rev. Wilson came to Willson church, it was still in mission and at the end of the second year, the church was restored to full conference status. Rev. Donald E. Grant came to us, July 1978, with his wife Mary and their five sons: Jeffrey, Donald, Michael, Gary and Christopher. Some of the things instituted as been (1) repairing the stain glass windows (2)Partially painted the interior and exterior of the church (3) forming educational programs for children and youth, obtained such equipment as one cone and popcorn machine (4) reorganization of choirs, children, youth and adult (5) garden patch program (6) Wednesday night bible class (7) combined programs with the Church of the Savior (8) obtained a used van from the First United Methodist Church. In July 1981, the Lord looked beyond our faults and saw our needs. The need for a Christian, energetic, inspiring, outgoing and above all interested Pastor, placed Rev. John Ike III here. For this action, we will forever be profoundly grateful to God and the United Methodist Conference. Rev. Ike came to us after serving as an Associate Minister at Cory UMC. No matter how full his schedule was, he found the time to communicate with his members by making home visits and telephoning. Rev. Ike is accredited for putting in to service more youth activities in our community and church. In 1983, another blessing was passed on to Willson. God blessed us with a youthful, inspiring minister, Rev. Orlando Chaffee. Rev. Chaffee is a Pastor with the sound wisdom of the olden days. His sermons have the depth of our forefathers belief in God. When he finishes his sermon on Sunday morning you realize you have heard a sermon to carry you through the week. May God Bless and keep him, his wife Velma and children forever. In 1987, the conference needed someone of Rev. Chaffee's caliber and he was removed from us and sent to Windermere UMC. So, we were we sent Rev. Thomas Anthony Minor, he also was a brilliant young man and in his short Pastorate did so many wonderful things. The greatest was getting our Hot Meal Program off paper and on the stove and into the stomachs of the needy. But as fate would have it another change was made. A man of God came to us in the person of Rev. Jefferson L. Loftin, a man with his priorities in order. His first one was teaching the word. A church taught is a knowing church. Second, he is a strong believer in Tithes and Offering, believing that God will supply the need. Third, building character in our children. Teach the child the way he/she should go and when they are old they may not depart from it. Fourth, building a great congregation with cooperation and much prayer. In July 1989, Rev. Mark A Ferguson and his lovely wife, Anita came to Willson UMC. Our congregation had begun to grow again! He exudes so much love, vitality and graciousness. He relates to both elder members and young members. Preaching and communications are his goals. Therefore, we have come together and have become a stronger church...the vision is back!!! Rev. and Mrs. Ferguson added another member to their family since being here and a new member to Willson in the person of Kumar L. Ferguson. The meaning translated in English means "Prince". So came the conference of 1992. And we were given from what the conference thought was just another beginner in the Ministry. But Lord placed a JEWEL at our door. In him we have found a person not to good to put on a pair of jeans, roll up his sleeves and go to work. Beside him a woman that works equally as hard. Mrs. Joyce Thomas deserves the title of "First Lady" of this church. Two well- mannered children and a mother that worked with her. Rev. James Thomas II and Sister Thomas we believe that you truly love this church. As Rev. said so often "Whatever it takes we will find a way." June 2000, thanks to our Episcopal Leader, Bishop Jonathan D. Keaton and District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Julius C. Trimble brought out of retirement a man with the true vision and sound wisdom of Methodism. God sent us Rev. Dr. Robert J. Tolbert Sr. and his lovely wife Mary who richly deserves the title of "First Lady" of this church. Nothing is above or beneath them when it comes to uplifting this church. The Tolberts are the parents of two children Carolyn and Robert Jr. The Spirit of his commitment to Willson Church is awesome. Rev. Tolbert has taught us if you have Faith in God and Tithe all things are possible. Our membership has grown 10% and beyond. We have four choirs under the leadership of Sisters Ardean Stone and Caroline Anthony. Four Sunday school classes and on going Confirmation classes. Brothers Charlie Demore Sr. and Harold Crowell are restoring the church. A computer and prayer room has been completed. Our budget is being met above and beyond our expectations. Besides serving hot meals on Sunday, we also have a food pantry that serves a large population of Cleveland's eastside under the supervision of Carrie Demore and her staff. In December 2003, Rev. Dr. Robert J. Tolbert decided to retire a second time. January 2004, Willson was without a pastor. The Laity of the church under the guidance of Brother David McCall and Sister Linda Earl and others worked untiring to keep the church doors open for the congregation and the community for six months. Inviting pastors in to serve communion. June 2004 after annual conference, a young inspiring pastor with her own uniqueness and style, who believes in excellence, bold and strong ministry with emphasis on reaching the masses. Encouraging members to step out of the box, become more active, Christ-like and show yourself in the community. Under her leadership, we continue to serve the community through our food network ministry. We support Oriana House Re-entry program, Laura's House (a shelter for women and children) sponsored by the City Mission. Rev. Dr. LaRita Hand and husband, Rev. Willie Hand comes to us as a package, thank you Jesus. They are serving the church with a vision and a mission to make faithful Disciples for Jesus Christ. They are the parents of 3 grown children, James and twins Shirita and Talia, and they have 6 grandchildren. We the members of Willson today with deep respect, salute our former members and Pastors, who through their labor passed on to us a beautiful and magnificent legacy by which we find energies and a drawing from deep within a sense of real commitment to the growth of this church of Jesus Christ and dedicated in His name.
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Willson United Methodist Church
