In 1956 church membership was 1137 and Sunday School attendance had increased to over 500. While church growth was certainly welcome, the building could not accommodate so many people. For lack of space, Sunday School classes were being held in the sanctuary, in the gym, and in the parsonage, as well as in the classrooms. The men's Brotherhood class had to meet in Enterprise Hall on Woburn Street. Kitchen facilities and vestry space were inadequate for the needs of church organizations.
In 1956 the Official Board authorized the appointment of a ten-member building committee to plan an addition to the church and to raise the necessary funds. The General Committee held its first meeting September 5, 1956. Under the leadership of Reverend William Gunter, Edward J. Johnson, President of the Board of Trustees, and Ernest S. Johnson, Chairman of the Building Committee, plans were begun for a new educational building and chapel.
To provide space for the new addition, the old Center School building beside the church was purchased from the town for $2,500. The agreement was that the church would tear down the building within six months of the date the town vacated it.
The General Building Committee appointed eighteen subcommittees so that total committee membership was over one hundred. Arland A. Dirlam, Inc. was chosen as architect. Dr. Dirlam met with every committee and considered every report in preparing his sketches.
Plans were made to construct a chapel and educational building which would include classrooms, church offices, Pastors' studies, a church parlor, a fellowhsip hall, and modern kitchen facilities. The cost of the new addition was estimated at over $250,000. Reverend Dr. Alton E. Lowe of the Department of Finance and Field Service, Division of National Missions, Board of Missions of the Methodist Church, was hired as financial advisor and to assist in planning publicity, training canvassers, and fund raising for this enormous project.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held May 4, 1958, and the cornerstone laying ceremony was held October 26 during a howling noreaster. Services of consecration were held April 26 to May 10, 1959. There were special services, an open house, a consecration banquet, a family night, a youth night, and a special communion service in the new chapel. Reverend John Snook, Jr. was pastor at the time.
Beginning in 1958, two worship services were held each Sunday to accommodate the many members.
The Wesley Youth Choir for high school students was formed in 1959.