Bishop Wesley John Gaines (October 4, 1840 – January 12, 1912) was an African-American church and community leader in Georgia.

[1] He was vice president of Payne Theological Seminary and co-founder of Morris Brown College.

He is a pious, well-educated and eloquent preacher, fine looking, of imposing presence and of blended politeness and dignity.

He possesses both administrative and creative capacity of high order, and adds to his energy firmness and ability, excellent tact and discretion.

[2] Beginning in 1867, Gaines studied theology and served at African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) pastorates in Wilmington, North Carolina, Atlanta, Macon and Athens, Georgia for 20 years beginning.

[3] Gaines became a bishop of the AME Church, and was a co-founder, treasurer and superintendent of Morris Brown College in Atlanta.