In the spring of 1836, a small group of men and women met regularly at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Parker on Robert Street in the city of Pittsburgh to hold religious services.  In July of that year, they organized themselves as a mission of the A.M.E. Zion Church.  For several months thereafter, the group continued to worship in the Parker home, but as their membership increased they moved their service to the home of Obediah and Charlotte Mahoney on Arthur Street.  The Mahoney home was larger and able to accommodate the large membership.  In 1839, under leadership of Rev. Tabbs, the mission acquired a lot on Peru Way and in 1850, they built a one room church with a dirt floor, oil lamps, a pot-bellied stove, and a foot pedaled organ.  The church became affectionately known as “Little Jim”.  In 1865 during the pastorate of Rev. Nick Williams, a revival was held at “Little Jim” and over 100 new members joined the church.  As a result of this large increase in membership, at “Little Jim” became inadequate in size, and in 1891 during the pastorate of Rev. Jehu Holliday, the members of at “Little Jim” acquired property at 40 Arthur Street and began building a new church.  The new church was completed in October 1896 and dedicated as John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church.  During the pastorate of Rev. George W. Gains, the congregation approved plans to build a new and larger church at the corner of Francis Street and Centre Avenue. 

In 1921 after the excavation was completed, but before the foundation was laid, Rev. Gains was transferred to another conference and Rev. Elijah Lovett Madison was appointed pastor of John Wesley.  Under his leadership, the cornerstone was laid in April 1927, giving birth to Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church.  With a strong missionary zeal to spread the word of God and to build a church that would be a presence and witness of the faith of African Americans here in Pittsburgh, PA.  In July of 1929, the building was completed and the congregation moved from John Wesley on Arthur Street to the new church, Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church on the corner of Francis and Centre Avenue.  Some of the congregation remained at the old church and retained the name John Wesley.  The structure that is now the Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church is a reflection of early 20th Century segregated America.  Designed by a black architect and constructed by black artisans, the church building is an enduring testimony of the innate abilities and talents of a proud and resourceful people.  Wesley Center grew by leaps and bounds under Rev. E.C. Madison, the founding pastor.  Wesley Center continued to grow under the leadership of Rev. W.W Slade, Rev. W.O. Carson, and Rev. W.D. Battles.  Though born in the depression years, which began in the late 1920’s and continued through the early 1930’s, this young church saddled with the construction debt, preserved through these difficult years and continued to grow in faithful stewardship and congregational development.  At the same time, remaining always attentive to its mission to proclaim the word of the Lord, to convict, and to convert others.  Though the leadership of a succession of able pastors, the heavy debt was reduced, culminating in its total liquidation in 1945 under the pastorate of the Rev. Charles H. Froggie. 

Not content to rest upon its status as a debt free institution, Wesley Center embarked yet, upon a series of other capital campaigns designed to further beautify the building, make repairs, and to purchase a new parsonage.  With strong congregational support, these campaigns were successful and the new indebtedness was also eradicated.  Deeply rooted in the experiences of people of color and in the “freedom” traditions of Zion Methodism, and exemplified by historic figures of the church such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth.  Wesley throughout the 20th Century, has continued its zeal for giving expression to the hopes and aspirations of African Americans.  In matters of devotion and spiritual growth, Wesley Center developed – early in its history – a passion for Christian education and biblical literacy, which continues through the present time.  The influence of Wesley Center in the A.M.E. Zion Church has been noted by succession of three of its former pastors to the bishopric and in the countless number of its layperson who have been inspired and responded to the call to the Christian ministry.  During the pastorate of Rev G.W. Kendall in 1970, the church purchased a lot on Centre Avenue adjacent to the church formerly owned by the Seventh Day Adventist congregation.  In 1971, the church purchased two additional lots.  Dr. Carroll M. Felton, Jr., Rev. Roy Holmes, Rev. Michael a. Frencher, and Rev. William Griffin continued to grow and strengthen the church and serve as a beacon of light in the heart of the hill.  With Wesley Center’s great history, the membership has always taken pride in its edifice, and opened the door to numerous religious, social, and political events.