Solon Center's History

For 128 years Solon Center Wesleyan Church, located in the center of the township of Solon (thus its name), has made several additions and improvements to meet the needs of their growing church family. However, their desires and goals have remained the same: reaching others with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The church began in 1883 when Rev. Edwin Potter organized three Wesleyan Methodist Churches. The classes as they were called, were held at three local schoolhouses – Pioneer, Briggs, and Fairchild. (See Historical tidbits for the full story!)

In the late 1880’s a small church was built at Solon Center or "Velzy" as the little community was called at the time and the three classes joined together as one. Little information regarding the church building is known. In the July 9, 1890 edition of the Cedar Springs Clipper it states, “The new store and center is growing and the little church or tabernacle looks splendid inside...”

In 1902 a new Wesleyan Methodist Church (shown above) was built at Solon Center.  Rev. Teachout was the pastor and it was through his labor and that of many others, that the church was erected. In 1905 the church built a buggy shed and in 1938 installed electric lights.

Major changes were made in 1944 when the church was moved 40 feet back from the road. The church was set on a new foundation, which provided a furnace room and four Sunday school classrooms. This building served the congregation for 100 years until 2002 when a new church was built. The 1902 building has now been torn down.

Forty-three pastors have served Solon Center Wesleyan Church. Pastor Tom Holloway is currently serving the congregation of 200+.