History
The Early Days of Tennessee Methodism
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The Wesley Era in Methodist History
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Methodism in the United States
The American Revolution had a profound impact on Methodism. John Wesleys Toryism and his writings against the revolutionary cause did not enhance the image of Methodism among many who supported independence. Furthermore, a number of Methodist preachers refused to bear arms to aid the patriots. Read More >> |
1869-1890
1869-1873. West End began as a mission of McKendree Methodist Episcopal Church, South in 1869. Called West Nashville Mission,the congregation of 20 met in government barracks left over from the Civil War. The name became West End Mission in 1871 and the word "mission" was dropped in 1873, signifying independence from McKendree. Read More >> |
1869-1890
1890-1918. A decade after the first church building was placed in service the congregation built its second church building, a towering brick edifice that would stand forty years at Sixteenth and Broad. It was dedicated in 1890. George Stoves was appointed to West End in 1918, near the end of WWI. During his pastorate the membership passed 2,000 and the location facing Vanderbilt campus was chosen as the location for the existing church building. Read More >> |
1929-1948
1929. The Education Building was first occupied on Sunday, October 27, 1929. The plan was to proceed immediately to erect the sanctuary, but two days later the collapse of the stock market began the Great Depression. The congregation worshipped in Vanderbilt facilities "temporarily" for ten years while struggling to raise funds. Read More >> |
1948-1980
1948-1960. The building was dedicated, debt free, in 1948, the memorial cloister was built in 1950 and the first pipe organ was installed in 1952. Dr. James W. Henley was pastor for sixteen years, ending when he was elected Bishop in 1960. Read More >> |
1980-Present
1980-1999. The 1980s and 1990s were decades of renovation. The parking lot was paved, lighted and landscaped. The porte cochere entrance with ramp and automatic doors made the building accessible to people in wheelchairs. The chapel underwent extensive renovation. The cloister garden was redesigned to incorporate the columbarium. The Bowen Library was expanded and the Reed Hall reception area was created. Read More >> |
1785-1860.The period when Tennessee was first developed is a fascinating chapter in both the history of Tennessee and of the Methodist participation in that history. More on this will be forthcoming. Please come back again. 
The United Methodist Church shares a common history and heritage with other Methodist and Wesleyan bodies. The lives and ministries of John Wesley (17031791) and of his brother, Charles (17071788), mark the origin of their common roots. Both John and Charles were Church of England missionaries to the colony of Georgia, arriving in March 1736. It was their only occasion to visit America. Their mission was far from an unqualified success, and both returned to England disillusioned and discouraged, Charles in December 1736, and John in February 1738. 
