History of
the congregation
Circuit Rider Jessie
Lee came preaching the Gospel in Salem in the early 1800's. A small gatheri
ng of early Christians met in a storefront and sat on boxes to hear Jesus Christ
proclaimed. They purchased the Harbor Street building and met for years till
growth multipled the congregation! Wesley was built at 8 North street
where 800 members worshiped regularly under the excellent ministry of
outstanding pastors! In 1910 Lafayete St UMC moved to their new home.at
296 Lafayette street until
the 1994
merger.
We, of today's
Wesley United Methodist Church, wish you God's richest blessing!; May you
walk forever in a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior!
History of
the building
The Wesley United Methodist Church of Salem, MA., was dedicated into
Christian service as the "Wesley Episcopal Church" on July 31, 1888, as the corner
stone was laid. The corner stone was laid in a ritualistic ceremony with the
singing of the hymn "How Firm A Foundation."
The church was designed by Lawrence B. Volk of New York. The local contractors
were J.F. Farrin, Joseph N. Parsons, and Joseph N. Peterson. The original
cost was between $35,000 and $40,000. This was without the additional cost
of the
steeple that was added at a later date.
The Salem News reported on February 24th, 1889, the following, as described
by the foreman; R.G. Norton.
The style of architecture, like most modern structures, is mixed, but the gothic
prevails. Entrance is had through the cloisters at the N.W. and S.W. corners.
The N.W. one is under the tower, now about 83 feet high, but will be 118 feet
if the steeple is added eventually on the present design. The walls are of brick,
with rock faced freestone foundation and trimmings. The outside dimensions are
68 by 116 feet.
The basement is fitted up with a kitchen, dining-room and toilet arrangements.
Three large heaters convey hot air all over the church. Under the auditorium
are circles of brick piers, from 4 1/2 to 10 fee apart, which preclude the
possibility of the floor ever giving way, no matter what weight is placed
upon it.
On the floor of the church proper there is, first the vestibule, three classrooms,
opening into the varsity, while the latter is connected with the auditorium by
immense sliding doors, six in number, and 28 feet in height. The arrangement
of classrooms deserves special mention. There are four of them, two being in
the second story, and connected by balconies, hanging over the vestry. But when
the sliding sashes of the classrooms are pushed back, and the vestry sliding
folded doors all are open to the church proper.
The auditorium is built theater-like with sloping floor, and circular seats,
and a rather unique arrangement of aisle. It will seat about 630 people.
The rostrum is 18 by 20 feet with a half circle space 5 feet wide for the
alter rail.
The Pastors room and choir room are located to the right and left of the
rostrum.
The interior arches will present a magnificent appearance. The main room
is a T. From these slope away smaller arches, forming a succession of bold
curves
running down to massive pillars and curiously carved cornices, beautiful
in the extreme. The arches of the windows are in the same shape, and carry
out and set
into prominence the majestic curvature of the main arches. The ceiling of
the arches is covered with corrugated steel and will be decorated a shaded
blue. The windows will be ornate. Those facing North Street will be used
for memorial
purposes. Cathedral glass will be used in the large doors between the vestry
and auditorium.
The arrangements for ventilation are well nigh perfect. The sexton can stand
at one spot in the rear of the church and by manipulating forty one little
handles, arrange every ventilator in the church.
Lafayette Street United Methodist Church {1910} and Wesley United Methodist
Church [1888} merged in 1994. Many contemporary changes in lighting, sound
system, fire allarm system and heating system have brought this historic
building into the next century.
