The first church was located in the South part of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, located on the northeast corner of Union Street (known now as 10th Street) and Prairie Avenue, and named Union Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Location of the church was later changed to a new location at 801 South 12th Street. Disaster struck in 1940 when this church building was completely destroyed by fire. A new church, of stone construction, was built on the same site and dedicated on February 23, 1941. The church continued to grow and prosper. Because of growth in membership, lack of parking space, and need for additional room the Trustees of the church were authorized in 1981 to purchase a new building site. In August of 1981 they purchased nine acres of land located North of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on Salem Road, or State Route 37, the site of the present church. The new church was constructed in three phases, the beautiful sanctuary being the final phase. The church building is particularly “user friendly” for anyone with a walking handicap since there are no steps. Every part of the building is at ground level and easily accessible.

The faith and dedication of the Wesley congregation and the inspiration of the ministers who have served this charge, is attested to by the fact that some thirty people from this church felt the call to ministry and became Methodist ministers over the years.