A Church Born on Amen Street in 1898
On an appointed day in 1898, nine Christians met in a frame house on Amen Street (now 13th Avenue South) under the leadership of the Rev. Henry Hall and founded what would become John Wesley United Methodist Church. They called their new congregation the Nashville City Mission, and from the very beginning, the people had a mind to work. Within seventeen years the small group had purchased two lots and built a frame church building, though membership stayed modest during those formative years.
In the early 1900s the congregation was renamed Green's Chapel, and the years between 1915 and 1941 brought slow but steady growth, shaped in part by two world wars and the Great Depression. The eight-year pastorate of Rev. Samuel Strayhorne was the most progressive of that era. A new brick building went up in 1921 and was dedicated as The John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church, and membership rose from fifteen in 1915 to seventy-six in 1923.
Between 1942 and 1967 twelve pastors continued building the church's foundation. Two new modern church buildings were erected, and the congregation eventually relocated to its current home. Under the leadership of Rev. Daniel M. Hayes, Sr., membership crossed 300 in 1999, and the church added an education wing and a multi-function fellowship hall. A new kitchen and dining area was consecrated in March 2023, continuing the congregation's long commitment to building and welcoming.
Rooted in the Waverly District
John Wesley United Methodist Church sits at 901 Benton Avenue in Nashville's historic Waverly District, just off Eighth Avenue South in the 12South neighborhood. The church is easily reached from I-65 by taking the Wedgewood exit. Travelers turn off Wedgewood onto Eighth, then right on South Douglas (Zanie's Comedy Club sits on the corner), right on Elliott, and left on Benton. The neighborhood carries a rich history, and the church has been part of that story for more than 125 years.
Rev. Daniel M. Hayes, Sr.: The Building Pastor
Rev. Daniel M. Hayes, Sr. is the Senior Pastor and Teacher of John Wesley United Methodist Church and is now serving his thirteenth term since his return in 2012. A native Nashvillian, he began preaching at fifteen and was licensed in the Tennessee Annual Conference at eighteen. He was appointed to the Murfreesboro Parish, representing Key, Emery, and St. John UMC, in 1977.
Over a career that has now spanned fifty years, Rev. Hayes has been called the Building Pastor for the spiritual, physical, and membership growth that has marked his ministry. In 1989, while serving Brooks Memorial UMC, he became the first clergy member and African American honored by the Tennessee Annual Conference with the Harry Denman Evangelism Award, given to United Methodist clergy and laypersons who exhibit outstanding efforts in Christian evangelism. During the 2024 Annual Conference he became the first recipient to receive the Denman Award a second time. In 2006 he was awarded the G. Ross Freeman Award by the United Methodist Men.
During his earlier term at John Wesley from 1990 to 1999, the church van was purchased, the music ministry expanded, and a centerpiece stained-glass window along with additional stained-glass windows were installed throughout the sanctuary. Rev. Hayes led the design, building, and fundraising for a new education wing and the Robert Sweat, Jr. Fellowship Hall on the lower level, which includes a performance stage, baptismal pool, restrooms, public address, and Wi-Fi media systems. From 1999 to 2010 he served as Senior Pastor and Teacher of Gordon Memorial UMC, leading two major building projects totaling more than three million dollars and 46,000 square feet of ministry and worship space.
Since his return appointment in 2012, Rev. Hayes has led the purchase of a 15-passenger bus to support children, youth, and senior ministries. During the COVID-19 disruption he expanded worship with live streaming for regular Sunday and special services and improved the fellowship hall's media capability. He is the author of two books, Persecuted for Righteousness Sake and the March 2024 release Permanent Glue Relationships, both available on Amazon. He is married to the former Janice Anderson, and together they have three children and four grandchildren.
Sunday Worship and Gospel Music
Worship is held each Sunday, with breakfast at 9:00 am, Sunday School at 9:30 am, and the main worship service at 11:00 am. The 11:00 am service is livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook so that members can worship with the congregation in person or virtually. Music is a centerpiece of the worship life: a Children's Choir serves in worship throughout the year, the Youth Choir blends contemporary and traditional gospel music under the direction of Daniel M. Hayes, Jr., and the John Wesley UMC Gospel Chorus anchors the adult music ministry. A centerpiece stained-glass window and additional stained-glass windows throughout the sanctuary frame the worship space, and the Robert Sweat, Jr. Fellowship Hall on the lower level supports special services and community gatherings.
Growing Up at John Wesley
Children and youth are challenged to reach beyond what they thought possible. Ministry experiences promote participation through worship, small groups, fun events, travel, fellowship, training, leadership, and mission. The young people share their gifts by serving the sick and shut-in, the Senior Saints, and others in need. Safe Sanctuary Guidelines have been implemented to protect them during church-related events.
Children can join the Acolyte Ministry, which serves on the weekly worship leadership team and brings in the altar lights and worship elements, including lighting the Advent wreath and All Saints Day memorial candles. The Junior Usher Ministry participates each Sunday and in special services, shadowing senior ushers as part of their training and joining the Annual Usher and Greeter Day celebration. Girl Scouts, Sunday School, the Youth Choir, Vacation Bible School, a Leadership Academy, a Drama Ministry, and a Family Ministry round out the children's ministry.
The Report Card Roundup is a special ministry envisioned by Rev. Hayes that highlights the youth and children of John Wesley for their accomplishments in ministry, school, and the community. Participants meet monthly with mentors to discuss goals, dreams, and challenges, and to identify what they need to be empowered for success. The youth ministry, for ages thirteen to eighteen, leads fundraisers, serves in various ministries, and participates in district, conference, and community events including Warmth in Winter and the Southeastern Jurisdictional BMCR Harambee.
New Vision Young Adults
New Vision Young Adult Ministry exists for those seeking excellence in ministry, leadership, and disciple-making. Members are committed to personal growth and development, and seek to build opportunities offering training and career support, fellowship, and lasting friendships. The ministry serves across the church and the wider community, with an emphasis on working together in ways that incorporate the leadership gifts of all members through workshops, outreach, peer support, and nurturing engagement. Members participate across the church in support of Second Harvest Food Bank, the Angel Tree Ministry, the Visual Media Ministry, the John Wesley UMC Gospel Chorus, the Sunday Breakfast Ministry, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Vacation Bible School, Christian Education, and other nurturing, outreach, educational, and fellowship ministries.
Senior Saints and Family Ministry
Senior Saints are active in many areas of church life. They share their gifts through United Methodist Women, Sunday School, Christian Education, Homecoming, Angel Tree, Vacation Bible School, Bible Study, and many other opportunities. United Methodist Men also play a vital role. Together these ministries ensure that members of every generation have a place to serve, lead, and grow.
Learning Together Across the Year
The Christian Education Ministry offers growth opportunities for all ages throughout the year. Formal classes for adults, young adults, youth, children, and toddlers use approaches that range from traditional curriculum to Scripture drama, music, interactive role play, art, and drama.
Sunday School classes are coordinated for all ages. Lessons range from seasonal studies on Advent, Lent, and United Methodism to sermon themes, baptism, and Holy Communion, drawing on United Methodist resources. Each year the ministry coordinates a Black History Celebration based on the teachings of Jesus, using music, drama, visual displays, digital images, and presentations to share the journey of African Americans from slavery to Capitol Hill. The annual Vacation Bible School chooses a theme experienced through bible-based storytelling, music, symbols, and inspirational messages, with special art, images, food, and dramatic interpretations if Juneteenth falls within the five-day experience. Seasonal dramatic interpretations at Christmas and Easter bring Bible stories to life through music, costumes, and narration as a lasting tradition for families.
Hands in the Community
John Wesley United Methodist Church serves beyond its own walls. Members partner with Second Harvest Food Bank and the Angel Tree Ministry, and youth participate in Warmth in Winter and the Southeastern Jurisdictional BMCR Harambee. The church's mission extends to Nashville and the surrounding communities, with members finding opportunities to use their gifts to touch lives in the city and beyond.
Planning Your Visit
First-time guests can expect a warm welcome. The church's motto is "The right place, the right time, to get your blessing!" Sunday School begins at 9:30 am after a 9:00 am breakfast, and worship is held at 11:00 am. The service is livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook for those joining from home. The church is located at 901 Benton Avenue, Nashville, TN 37204, easily reached from I-65 via the Wedgewood exit. The office can be contacted at 615-298-2019 or mail@jwesleyumc.org.
Giving is accepted online through the church's giving page, and a downloadable church brochure is available. A 15-passenger bus supports children, youth, and senior ministries. The Robert Sweat, Jr. Fellowship Hall on the lower level includes a performance stage, baptismal pool, restrooms, public address, and Wi-Fi media systems, and a new kitchen and dining area was consecrated in March 2023.
More than 125 years after nine spiritual crusaders met on Amen Street, John Wesley United Methodist Church continues to welcome those who seek transformation through a personal relationship with the living God, through Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Come and BOOM with the family.