What stands today as Wesley University Chapel started with Monday morning prayers in the University on official assumption of office by Principal Officers and pioneer staff in April, 2008. The prayers, which held first at the Conference Room of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and later in one of the classrooms, were conducted and coordinated by the then serving Presbyter of the Methodist Church, Oke-Agunla, Ondo, the pioneer Methodist Church in Ondo Kingdom.
By the Conference stationing of Ministers in 2008, Very Rev. S. Tope Owolabi was officially posted to Wesley University, as Chaplain and reported on 1st October, 2008. This laid the foundation for commencement of Sunday services. The first divine service that marked the formal opening of Sunday Worship in the Chapel held on Sunday, November 02, 2008 at the ground floor of the University Library building, with Very Rev. Dr. B. F. Adeniji as the Preacher. Subsequently, the Sunday services held at the first floor of the Library Building, as temporary place of worship. From inception, the Chapel identified and established service units, including Choir, Sunday School, Prayer Band, Visitation/Follow-up Team, Literary Unit, etc. for rich worship experiences.
The equipment of the Chapel for worship was achieved at the initial stage through donations by members of the University community and well-wishers. By May 21, 2009, Rev. O. G. Soniran (now Very Rev.) was posted as Acting Chaplain to the University on the directive of the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Makinde (Rtd.) and by the conference stationing, he was officially appointed as the Chaplain with effect from 1st October, 2009.
On completion and donation of a Lecture Theatre by High Chief Sir Olabanji Akingbule, the Odunwo of Ondo Kingdom in 2009, the Chapel activities were moved to the building, which served as a multi-purpose hall. The Chapel building built and donated by High Chief Bayo Akinnola, the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom in 2012, was found to have serious structural defects, which poses serious risk for its usage.
So, the Chapel congregation has continued to worship at the multi-purpose hall till date. Wesley University Chapel has continued to grow steadily spiritually and otherwise. The activities, backed with ICT, provide rich spiritual and worship experiences to students, who form the majority of the congregation and the adult members.
CHAPLAINS OF THE CHAPEL (PAST & PRESENT)
- Very Rev, S. Tope Owolabi: 2008-2009
- The Rev’d O. G Soniran (now Very Rev.): 2009-till date