James E. Booher, Associate Comptroller of the Prudential Insurance Company, donated a tract of approximately three acres of land on State Route 202 between Needmore and Fishburg Road to the Dayton District Methodist Union in 1957. The donation was in memory of his father, Ernest Booher, who had been very active in the
On May 17, 1959, representatives of 11 interested families met with Rev. Robert B. Weaver, District Superintendent, to lay the groundwork for a new church. Rev. William C. Wright was appointed pastor on June 13, 1959, at the Ohio Annual Conference at
A milestone in the life of the church and the entire Wayne Township Community was the official opening service in the beautiful new
In April, 1965, Rev. Darrel Loar was appointed to Aldersgate. Later that year, Aldersgate negotiated with Huber Homes to purchase a home adjacent to church property. On May 21, 1967 an Open House was held at that home, the new parsonage, located at 4536 Powell Road.
The
On October 29, 1979, a Charge Conference was held. At that time, the people voted to move forward with new building plans. In order to reach everyone with the message of the church's financial needs, the "Pony Express" pledge campaign was off and running. Immediately following the worship service on August 17, 1980, a ground-breaking ceremony was held, followed by a potluck dinner. The United Methodist Women took on the job of equipping the new kitchen by selling "bricks.” Upon completion of the addition, a Consecration Service was held on April 12, 1981. Bishop Dwight E. Loder of the West Ohio Conference was guest minister for the Consecration Service and Rev. Elwood Rose, Superintendent of the Dayton North District, was a guest. The new office complex, fellowship hall, kitchen, parlor and classroom were ready to use.
Rev. James A. Trainer came to Aldersgate in October 1983 followed by Rev. Carl V. Vorpe in 1985. Rev. Vorpe retired in June 1996 and Rev. Allen L. Puffenberger was appointed. Rev. David Stephens came in early 1998. Our current pastor, Rev. John Wagner, joined us early in July 2004.
In September 2009, Aldersgate celebrated its 50th anniversary with a dinner attended by many founding members.