About Our Church
Wesley Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has been part of Beloit’s Black faith community for more than a century. Our roots trace back to 1917, when Second Methodist Episcopal Church was organized alongside several other African American congregations serving a growing Black community in Beloit.
The congregation first gathered in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sim Wesley Prince at 1041 Forest Avenue before moving to a house at 732 Pleasant Street in 1920. That location later became the site of a dedicated church building, completed and celebrated debt-free in 1935.
In 1960, the church was renamed Wesley Methodist, and in 1963 the congregation purchased property overlooking the Rock River on Shore Drive. The first service in the newly completed church was held on October 4, 1964.
Today, Wesley CME Church continues that legacy of faith, worship, and service, remaining a spiritual home for generations of families in Beloit and the surrounding community.
Rev. Dr. Shelton Watkins is a native of Milwaukee, WI and the oldest son of Shelton and Brenda Watkins. He is the proud father of 3 adult children; Jayla, Jayda, and Shelton III. Dr. Watkins earned a Doctorate in Pharmacy from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1995. He also earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Theology from Concordia University of Wisconsin in 2022.
Dr. Watkins previously worked as a pharmacist at Walgreens for 31 years, and recently retired in 2024. He now works as an educational assistant for Atonement Lutheran School in Milwaukee, WI.
Since accepting his call in the ministry in 2018, Dr. Watkins has faithfully served the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as a Local preacher until July 2026. On July 28, 2026, Bishop Da' Henri Thurmond ordained Dr. Watkins as deacon, and appointed him as Pastor of Wesley Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Beloit, WI.
Dr. Watkins hobbies are cycling, playing golf, enjoying the beautiful scenery in Wisconsin (not in the Winter!!!), and rooting for the Bucks, Packers, and Brewers. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Dr. Watkins favorite scripture that governs and guides his life is:
"Trust the Lord with all your heart, and lead not into your own understanding in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight"
Proverbs 3:5-6