Our History

The dream of a new Methodist church in north Chico started in a prayer meeting of four enthusiastic couples from Chico's Trinity Methodist Church in 1957: Jack and June Barneson, Hal and Louise Berge, Bob and Mag Rankin and John and Betty Tarr. The power of prayer opened the door for the founding of the church in 1958, and James Corson was appointed as the first pastor. Services were held in the parsonage until the present building was constructed in 1960.

The church's original name was Lindo Manor Methodist Church. It was later changed to Aldersgate Church, evoking the powerful experience in 1738 on Aldersgate Street in London of Methodism's founder, John Wesley. It was there that he felt his heart "strangely warmed." That was his spiritual turning point. He was changed from a discouraged, defeated missionary to a Holy Spirit-filled Christian. He began to speak openly so that others would have a personal, living relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

For 65 years, Aldersgate Church has been a place where people have found hope and healing. They have been welcomed by radical hospitality. They have been loved into the family of God. Many have discovered new life in Jesus and have gone out into the world as contagious Christians. Someone said,"One can count the seeds in an apple, but one cannot count the apples in a seed." Thousands have been blessed by Aldersgate Church over the years. May God's blessing continue!

Our Affiliation

Aldersgate Church is an historical, evangelical local church, affiliated with the United Methodist denomination. More information at umc.org.

We are affiliated regionally with the California-Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. More information at cnumc.org.