History

The story of Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church began in the summer of 1910, when the only Methodist Church in Columbia sensed a call from God to make disciples for Jesus Christ.

In true Wesleyan spirit, Broadway Methodist Church discerned that they should focus on the neighborhood just north of Christian College (known today as Columbia College).  Hamilton-Brown Shoe Company factory was located a couple of blocks away and most of the workers lived in the neighborhood.

The vision was reminiscent of John and Charles Wesley starting a revival of the Church of England on the Oxford campus.  In the midst of an academic environment, John and Charles followed the way of Jesus by gathering in small groups, praying, studying scripture, visiting prisons, and preaching to the metal workers in the foundries of London.

Rev. Cecil M. Aker and his brother Rev. Grover Aker held a series of tent meetings to share the good news of the love of God.  So many people responded to the invitation to Christian discipleship that the dream was born to establish another Methodist church in the north part of town.

Originally, the fledgling congregation met in the Belton Building (known today as the New Life Evangelistic Center) on the corner of Wilkes and Eighth.  At that time, the building was part of Christian College.  In 1914, Wilkes Church was officially established and the congregation continued living into its identity of being a neighborhood church, rooted in a questioning faith, and serving the working class.

Today, after almost 100 years, Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church has grown and changed, drawing members from the immediate neighborhood and the greater Columbia area.  Wilkes seeks to be faithful to the call of making disciples for Jesus Christ by striving to be the body of Christ and sharing compassionate love and courageous invitations to all people to deeper life-giving relationship with God.