Aldersgate’s legacy as a church in the United Methodist tradition began with a worship service on December 5, 1965, at the site of what is now St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church on Beasley Rd. The following Sunday, December 12, 1965, the official organizational service was held. Charter Sunday was held six months later on May 22, 1966.

The 70 visionaries who began the congregation were led by Bishop Edward Pendergrass in a groundbreaking ceremony to construct the first phase of a permanent structure on Sunday, January 29, 1967. The building was completed in early May of 1967.

The formal opening and consecration service were under the leadership of Rev. John Higginbotham (1965-67) who saw the membership grow to 160 during his tenure.

The name Aldersgate has significance in the Methodist faith because of its founder John Wesley’s experience in a worship setting at Aldersgate Street in London on May 24, 1783. It was during this moment that the Rev. John Wesley said, “I felt my heart strangely warmed”. It was in that spirit and warmth that the name Aldersgate was chosen for the Jackson congregation.

Fourteen clergypeople (13 males and one female) have served the congregation.

A new building to house the sanctuary and administrative offices was completed in 2005 under the leadership of Rev. Dwight D. Prowell (2004-2018).

Currently, Rev. Cynthia A. Cross serves as our senior pastor. Her mission is to encourage leadership development in making disciples for Christ.