History

A rich history of advocacy

Aldersgate has a rich history of advocacy. In 1943, a group of Methodists searched for property where retired Methodist ministers or their widows could live out their lives in peace, comfort and contemplation. Take a trip through our history and the major milestones that made Aldersgate the community we are today.

Our journey

Western North Carolina Conference | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1943

Visionary Beginnings

Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church appointed a committee to find a site for retired Methodist preachers or their widows.

Donate Land | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1944

Cole Brothers Donate Land

Brothers Eugene M. Cole and Reverend Edwin O. Cole give 180-acre Hezekiah Alexander home.

Breaking Ground | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1948

Breaking New Ground

Officially broke ground on what was then named The Methodist Home.

Apartments | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1953

Living Expansion

Two wings and three apartment buildings are added.

Cottages | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1957

Hello Cottages

The first Azalea View Cottages were built along Forest Knoll Drive.

Nursing | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1963

First Nursing Center Opens

The Wesley Nursing Center opened with 248 skilled nursing beds.

Fund | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1969

Assistance Fund Established

The Supplementary Assistance Fund was started to help seniors who had outlived their money due to no fault of their own.

Museum | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1975

History Preserved

The Mint Museum showcasing Charlotte’s Colonial times is built.

Skilled nursing | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1980

First Asbury Care Center

Asbury Skilled nursing opens with 100 beds.

Epworth | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1990

Epworth Tower Rises

Epworth Tower, an eight-story building with 198 units.

Wesley Nursing | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1993

A New Nursing Alliance

Wesley Nursing Center is leased to Presbyterian Healthcare System.

Aldersgate | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
1999

Name Changed to Aldersgate

Derived from Aldersgate street in London where Methodist Church founder John Wesley experienced the “confirmation of his salvation by the grace of God.”

21st Century | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2000

21st Century Expansion

Aldersgate announces an expansion plan that includes new apartments, cottages, memory care, assisted living facility and the Commons.

Village Expansion| Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2002

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.”

Wesley Glen Cottages | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2003

Wesley Glen Opens

New Wesley Glen cottage expansion.

At Home | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2010

In-Home Care Launched

Aldersgate starts “Aldersgate At Home,” an in-home care service for independent living residents.

Growth Spurt | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2015

Growth Spurt

Aldersgate begins its most significant expansion with 62 apartments and villas, varied dining experiences, a state-of-the-art skilled nursing addition and a renovation/expansion of Cuthbertson Village memory support.

Sandwich Festival | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2016

First International Sandwich Festival

Music, food and cultural celebration open to the broader community.

The Commons | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2017

The Commons and New Asbury Health & Rehabilitation Opens

New Asbury Health & Rehabilitation opened, changing care from institutional to residential. The Commons opens with expanded culinary venues, pub, outdoor dining, billiards and more.

70 Years | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2018

Aldersgate Turns 70

Aldersgate celebrates seven decades of honoring elders.

Gateway Apartments | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2019

First Gateway Apartment Opens

Aldersgate starts off 2019 by opening Magnolia, the first of three new apartment and villa buildings.

Justice - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2020

2020 Justice

Aldersgate pledges to become an anti-racist ally.

COVID-19 and Justice | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2020

2020 Pandemic

Aldersgate keeps residents and team members safe, secure and connected during COVID-19.

CCRC | Aldersgate - A Non-profit Life Plan Community
2021

CCRC without Walls

Aldersgate becomes the first Life Plan Community in Charlotte, NC, to offer “CCRC without Walls” so future residents have the option to age-in-place while accessing Aldersgate’s services and amenities, and benefitting from priority placement when the time is right.

Got Questions

To learn more about Aldersgate, please call (704) 532-7000, email Info@AldersgateLiving.org or check out our FAQ page.