Mrs. Martha (“Mother”) Boone
Founder of the New John Wesley Church

Mrs. Martha Boone, affectionately known by many as “Mother Boone”, came to John Wesley with a vision in her mind and a dream in her heart. A beautiful lady with a great love for God and unshakable faith, believed that God had told her to build a new church.

The offer to build a new church was made to two other congregations before John Wesley. The members of John Wesley was the only congregation that believed they could build a new church when the offer was later made to them.  “Mother Boone” was not a stranger to John Wesley.  She was the beloved wife of the late Rev. Eugene Boone, a wonderful man who was with the church, which was then known as “The Churchville Charge”.

The Charge was made up of four churches.  All of which he was the pastor of from 1951 - 1957 until his death.  His widow, Mrs. Martha Boone remained on the Charge where she continued to work faithfully. When she came to John Wesley with the vision of building a new church, she said, “All I need is a few faithful people”.  At the time there were less than 30 members. Her vision was clear and her faith was strong.  A meeting was held and it was decided that John Wesley would build a “new church”.

Mrs. Boone started things off by having the first fundraiser at her home, a “pancake breakfast”.  Being a mother of 10 children herself, young people held a special place in her heart. She said, “Older members were the wisdom of the church and younger members were the energy”.  In 1970 she organized and supervised a youth group called the Young Building Fund Workers (YBFW). Under the advice of Mrs. Boone, they diligently worked to raise money for the new building along with others who sponsored trips to Florida and Canada. There were also others who raised money through other events such as rallies, dinners, etc.  Mrs. Boone was always there to give you an encouraging word to lift your spirits with her infectious smile.

Much to the disbelief of others, and overcoming some adversities, John Wesley broke ground for the new church in 1975.  One year later on April 25, 1976, the John Wesley congregation, along with friends and visitors, marched from the “old church to the new church”.  Under the leadership of “Mother Boone” and Rev. Clarence Govans, the members of John Wesley entered into their new “Promise Land”.

Mother Boone remained a faithful member of John Wesley until her death on October 26, 1986.  Although she is not with us physically, her spirit will always remain in John Wesley.  Because of the faith of one determined, strong “Lady of God”, our John Wesley United Methodist Church stands today.