Wesley Chapel A. M. E. church had a very humble beginning in the rear of an old rope factory on the corner of Milam and Congress, where fewer than a dozen determined souls (mostly women) began their meetings.
They later moved to Preston Street and built a small box house for worship. The name Wesley Chapel was suggested by Presiding Elder Rev. Henry Wichita and confirmed by the Bishop T.M.D. Ward and dedicated in 1877. They continued to move and rent from one place to another for 20 years and in 1897 a permanent home for Wesley Chapel was purchased on the corner of Texas Avenue and Chartress Street. In 1906 the Houston Belt and Terminal filed a condemnation suit against the property of Texas Avenue for terminal purposes and in November of the same year, the present site was purchased on Dowling and Webster Streets and a new building was constructed ... historically known by some as "The Stone Church." Other historical records refer to it as "The Rock Church."
In 1925 the existing building was completely demolished and a new building was begun. In the meantime the congregation worshipped for one year in "The Old Jones Barn"- - - a building on the corner of Dowling and Tuam used for a movie theater.
In the 1930's plans for construction began again and the congregation worshipped temporarily in Jack Yates Auditorium on Elgin and Live Oak. In the meantime the completion of the first floor steps were built projecting from the roof of the front sidewalk. These steps led to the second floor, which was the main sanctuary and remained for 27 years, 1925 - 1952. In 1952 the interior was completed.
During the first two and a half decades of our struggle, the congregation stayed together with the help of such persons as the Rev. J. Harvey James. Rev P. C. Hunt, Rev. Gordon, Rev. Harris, Rev. Moment and others. . . and in 1904 Rev. J. P. Howard was sent to pastor this determined group of pioneers.
Below is the list of pastors who served this congregation:
| 1904 - 1909 Rev. J. P. Howard |
| 1909 - 1914 Dr. W. D. Miller |
| 1914 - 1918 Rev. E. J. Howard |
| 1918 - 1922 Rev. J. B. Butler |
| 1922 - 1926 Rev. G. B. Young |
| 1926 - 1930 Rev. J. H. Smith |
| 1930 - 1936 Rev. E. J. Howard |
| 1936 - 1949 Rev. T. J. Clement |
| 1949 - 1965 Rev. W. D. Williams |
| 1965 - 2002 Dr. E. E. Coates |
| 2002 - Rev. Leo Griffin |
Leo Griffin pastors Wesley A. M. E. where several millions were been spent in improvements and the acquisition of additional property for further expansion.
Under the leadership of Pastor Leo Griffin, Wesley A.M.E. entered a new era of "Taking the Church to the People." Many activities such as community cleanup campaigns, food drives, clothing drives, adoption of local elementary school, support of KTSU, and financial and gift assistance to victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike illustrate a renewed commitment to serving the community.
