
History
A rich history of advocacy.
Aldersgate has a rich history of advocating for our aging community. Back in 1943, a group of organized Methodists (Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church) appointed a committee to find a home site for retired Methodist preachers and/or their widows. It was a compassionate heartfelt mission to provide comfort and care.
An answered prayer
With increased need came a commitment to expand our mission. In addition, the Supplemental Assistance Fund was started to help struggling residents who had lived beyond their means.
In 1999, our Board announced a name change from The Methodist Home. Aldersgate is derived from the street in London where Methodist Church founder John Wesley experienced the “confirmation of his salvation by the grace of God.”

Hezekiah Alexander home
Brothers Eugene M. Cole and Reverend Edwin O. Cole answered prayers through a gift of the 180-acre Hezekiah Alexander home farm.
Our Journey
- Housing
- Healthcare
- Other
Visionaries Identified a Need
More than six decades ago, a community of visionary Methodists foresaw a need. Today, Aldersgate is a multi-faith community that continues to shape the future for a new era of active individuals enjoying longer lives. Take a walk through the milestones of Aldersgate.
Break Ground
Officially broke ground on what was then named The Methodist Home.
Living Expansion
Two wings and three apartment buildings were added.
First Cottages
The first Azalea View Cottages were built along Forest Knoll Drive.
Nursing Center
The Wesley Nursing Center opened with 248 skilled nursing beds.
Assistance Fund
The Supplementary Assistance Fund was started to help seniors who had outlived their money as of no fault of their own.
Mint Museum
The Mint Museum built a museum to showcase Charlotte’s rich history – a glimpse of the Colonial times to the present.
Skilled Nursing Center
Asbury Care Center skilled nursing opens with 100 beds.
198 New Units
Epworth Tower, an eight-story building with 198 units invites new residents.
Skilled Nursing
Wesley Nursing Center was leased to Presbyterian Healthcare System.
New Name: Aldersgate
The Board announces a new name for the community: Aldersgate, A United Methodist Retirement Community.
Expansion Plan
Aldersgate announces an expansion plan that included new apartments, cottages, a memory support assisted living facility and a community center.
Village Expansion
Cuthbertson Village Memory Support Assisted Living opens. Named for Board member Rennie Cuthbertson, the facility has three neighborhoods surrounding a central “Town Square.”
Executive Cottages
The Wesley Glen community of executive cottage homes opens.
60 Years
Aldersgate celebrates our 60th anniversary.
In-Home Care
Aldersgate launches “Aldersgate at Home,” an in-home care service for independent residents.
Largest Expansion To Date
Aldersgate announces a major expansion that will add 62 apartments and villas, varied dining experiences, a state-of-the-art skilled nursing addition and a renovation/expansion of Cuthbertson Village memory support.
New Asbury Health and Rehab Opens
In late 2017, the new Asbury Health and Rehab opened, changing care from institutional to residential.
The Commons Opens
Just before Christmas, The Commons opens with expanded culinary venues, pub, billiards and more.
Aldersgate Turns 70
Aldersgate celebrates 70 years of honoring elders.
First Gateway Apartment Opens
Aldersgate starts off 2019 by opening Magnolia, the first of 3 new apartment and villa buildings.