History
The Brookside Kindergarten and Settlement Home
771 LeRoy Street, Knoxville, Tennessee
Wesley House was founded in 1907, by the Methodist Women. It began its ministry as a childcare center for the mothers who worked at the Brookside Mills. The mill furnished a house for this work and the services offered quickly expanded to programs involving health, nutrition, homemaking, and recreation.
In the 1940's, Wesley House became a National Mission of the United Methodist Church to minister to families in poverty areas.
In 1952, through funds received from a special offering from the Women of the Church, Wesley House moved from the original two-story frame structure on the corner of Leroy and Madison Street, to its present location at 923 Dameron Avenue.
As the neighborhood changed, so did the program and services. Our programs are expanding as we continue to meet the needs of the community and assist all residents no matter what age they are. Today, Wesley House Community Center offers an after school learning program for children in grades 1-5, summer program, Performing arts and Cultural education, and senior care for the community's elderly.
