Prior to World War I, there was no Black church in Swarthmore, Pa.  Many blacks lived and worked in Swarthmore, but there was no place for them to worship.  Many of the residents joined churches in the surrounding communities:  Chester, Media, Morton, Lansdowne and some in Philadelphia.

A Committee was formed to discuss the need of a Black church in Swarthmore.  The meeting was held at Jones’ hall in Swarthmore.  After much discussion, it was agreed there was indeed a need for a Black church in the community.

A second meeting was called early in September of 1921, Fourteen persons who were mostly members of Shorter A.M.E.C. of Morton, Pa. Attended.  It was agreed that the Presiding Elder Elijah Byrd be contacted to explain to the Committee the necessary procedures involved in starting an African Methodist Episcopal Church in Swarthmore.

On October 26, 1921 Presiding Elder Byrd called a third meeting at which time the Church was organized.  Those who attended the meeting were:  Rev. Elijah Byrd, Rev. Samuel Wilson, Mr. Lewis Bowser, Mrs. Anne Brookfield, Mrs. Isabelle Camp, Mrs. Lizzie Handy, Mrs. Helen Colley, Mr. Daniel Hill, Mrs. Celia Johnson, Mrs. Rosalie Maddox, Mr. E. Miles, Mr. John Pierce, Mrs. Mattie Seldy, Mrs. Alice Wilson and Evangelist E.M. Morris.

The first elected officers were:

Stewards:  Mr. John Pierce, Mr. Jeremiah Burton, Mr. Joseph N. Quinlan; Trustees: Mr. Lewis Bowser, Mrs. Annie Brookfield, Mr. William R. Jones; Class Leader:  Mr. John Pierce; Sunday School Superintendent:  Mrs. Rosalie Maddox; Church Organist:  Mrs. Vivian Tucker and Miss. Idella Jones.

The first church service was held October 30, 1921 at Jones’ Hall where services were held until the church was completed Rev. Samuel Wilson preached the first sermon and named the church, Wesley A.M.E. Church.  In May of 1922, we became members of the Philadelphia Annual Conference.

A Building Fund Committee was appointed to devise ways and means of fundraising.  The committee consisted of Mrs. Isabelle Camp, Mr. Maple McCall, Mr. Joseph N. Quinlan and Mrs. Carroll Thayer was treasurer. Later, Mr. Joseph N. Quinlan was elected treasurer and was instrumental in raising large sums of money for the Building Fund.

Mr. Judson C. Burns, a businessman living in Swarthmore gave a matching grant of $1,000.  The trustees in a short period of time raised the matching funds. A lot was purchased on Bowdoin Avenue for $500 under the pastorate of Reverend Alexander White and the cornerstone was laid in 1927.  The building was started during the pastorate of  Reverend P.L. Abner.  The mortgage burning took place in 1942 under the pastorate of  Reverend  M.H. Jones.  The cost of the building was $11,400.00.

In 88 years, we have had the leadership of 26 pastors.   Each one has made a significant contribution to our church. Under the leadership of our present pastor, Pastor C. Vicki Brown, Wesley continues to shine brightly as a spiritual center in the Swarthmore community. Below is a list of all pastors from the early 1920s to the present: