History

On Easter Sunday morning, April 9, 1950, several families met together in the home of Rev. Thomas Collins for their first formal service of worship. This marked the beginning of Hi-Mount Methodist Church. The name was later changed to Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, just prior to entering their new building.
A Women’s Society of Christian Service had been organized on February 29, 1950, and prayer services were being held in the homes of the various members. The Methodist Men’s Club was chartered on April 20, 1951, with Charles Porter as the first president.

On July 16, 1950, the Hi-Mount congregation began holding services in the Myrtle Underwood School building. A Church School program was started to include everyone from Nursery through Adult classes. Sessions continued at the school site for over a year while the first unit of our church was being planned and built. Wallace Thompson and Harold Reeves were the first superintendents, and when the new building was ready, Wiley Bryan became the superintendent.

On October 22, 1950, a Charter Day Service was held under the guidance of Rev. E. B. Porter, District Superintendent. Sixty-six members composed the initial Charter Roll. The newly formed Raleigh Board of Missions purchased the land on East Whitaker Mill Road where the Church now stands, and helped in both planning and financing the initial building. Ground was broken, and the first unit of our building was completed on August 12, 1951.

As the fellowship grew, additional Church School space became an urgent need. The three room building to the rear of our present Church area was built by the members and pastor, Rev. Collins. Many projects were promoted by the members and the Women’s Society to raise funds for this new unit. This proved to be only temporary relief, and plans were prepared for the main educational wing which now adjoins the sanctuary. Ground was broken for this unit November 12, 1957, and it was first used Easter Sunday 1958. A special consecration service was held on May 4, 1958.