A Heritage of Faith and Love
THE CHURCH WITH THE WARM HEART
In 1738, John Wesley’s heart was “strangely warmed,” igniting the Methodist movement and shaping a faith centered on grace and service.
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When Aldersgate United Methodist Church was chartered on Sunday, May 23, 1982, in the season of Pentecost, its founding 86 members carried that same spirit forward to be The Church with the Warm Heart. And just as we’re a church who feeds people to this day, you can rest assured there was a covered dish lunch.
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Today, that warmth still defines who we are, a congregation grounded in love for God and one another, welcoming all to grow in faith together.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
A Vision Takes Root
Founded: 1982 | First Pastor: Rev. James G. Berry | First Worship Space: Southeast YMCA | Ground Breaking & First Permanent Building: Completed 1985 on Bailey Cove Road
​​​What began as small home gatherings quickly became a growing congregation serving the families of Southeast Huntsville. Land was purchased, a sanctuary was built, and a foundation of faith and fellowship was laid, both literally and spiritually.
​Key Milestones:
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Children’s Annex and Discipleship Center added
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New sanctuary built for a growing congregation
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Established Ministries
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Hands-on missions and outreach expanded locally and globally​
SEASONS OF GROWTH
Expanding Ministries, Deepening Faith
Aldersgate grew alongside Huntsville, adding new buildings, classrooms, and ministry spaces to meet the needs of an expanding church family.​​
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Through every season, Aldersgate has remained rooted in service, unity, and compassion, staying true to its calling to love God and neighbor.
A CHURCH FOR ALL GENERATIONS
Living Faith, Serving Together
Today, Aldersgate is a vibrant, multigenerational church where faith is lived out daily. From children’s and youth ministries to adult discipleship and community missions, every generation has a place to grow, serve, and belong.
At the Heart of Aldersgate:
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Worship that unites generations
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Missions that meet real needs
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Community that welcomes everyone
“About a quarter before nine, while one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”
— John Wesley, Journal Entry (May 24, 1738)
THE FIRST 25 YEARS
(1982-2007)
A Look Back at God’s Faithfulness
Aldersgate’s early decades are captured in a special 25th Anniversary Booklet, filled with stories, photos, and milestones that shaped our church family. From YMCA worship gatherings to our first sanctuary, from covered-dish meals to growing ministries, these pages celebrate the warm heart that built Aldersgate.
