Our Story
A rich history of serving individuals and institutions with purpose and care
Caring for Those Who Serve—Since 1908
Wespath has a long, strong and successful legacy of caring for those who serve. We’ve been providing benefits for over a century, and today manage retirement, health, disability and life insurance plans and programs for clergy and lay employees. Over time, we evolved into a trusted provider of institutional investment services, partnering with mission-focused organizations to help them further their missions through values-aligned investment services. Our reputation is as a trusted and successful leader in financial services. Our focus is on results: delivering long-term competitive returns and customer-centric service for individuals and organizations who entrust us with their futures.
Behind Our Name
The name Wespath combines two driving concepts: “Wes” honors John Wesley, the founder of Methodism; and “path” reflects our commitment to providing a path to financial security for the people and organizations who have entrusted Wespath with their assets and their future.
Historical Highlights
1908
Our beginnings, Wespath is established as the “Board of Conference Claimants.” Dr. Joseph Beaumont Hingeley is elected corresponding secretary. Board of Conference Claimants moves into Methodist Book Concern Depository in Chicago.
1956
We become the “General Board of Pensions”
1968
The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church unite to create The United Methodist Church
1990
Positive Social Purpose Lending Program begins (“Affordable Housing Program”)
The program grew out of a 1990 Board of Directors’ Investment Committee task force, led by John English and Gail Whitson Schmidt and driven by the commitment of Wespath’s board and employees.
Through 2025: over $2.1 billion invested to date in affordable housing and community development projects
1992
We become the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB)
2004
Central Conference Pensions Initiative begins to support retired clergy, surviving spouses and dependent children of clergy in Africa. Bishop Ben Chamness in partnership with former Wespath general secretary Barbara Boigegrain led a $25 million fundraising goal.
2013: reaches $25 million goal through UMC denomination-wide fundraising efforts
Through 2025: Over $18 million paid out to 3,700 retiree families in Africa, the Philippines and Europe
2026: Program renamed Connectional Pension Support
2005
Wespath (as the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits) becomes a founding author and signatory of the United Nations' Principles for Respobsile Investment (UNPRI)
Pictured left: Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, watches as former Wespath Chief Investment Officer Dave Zellner signs the UNPRI.
2010
Move into brand-new LEED* gold-certified campus in Glenview, Illinois (*LEED: globally recognized criteria for energy efficient building construction)
Pictured left: Bishop Hee-Soo Jung; former Wespath General Secretary Barbara Boigegrain; and Bishop Mike Watson (now retired), former Chair of Wespath’s Board of Directors; breaking ground for the new building.
2011
Wespath launches investment services offering for institutional investors
Pictured left: Karen Manczko, Wespath’s Director, Institutional Relationships, poses with the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas team at the 2026 Investment Forum.
2016
Agency adopts “Wespath” name
2020
Wespath is second U.S.-based asset owner to join United Nations-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance
