Beneath a serene Virginia sky stands Silverbrook Methodist Church. This historic church whispers tales of faith and community. It stands as a testament to time.
Silverbrook Methodist Church, also known as Silverbrook United Methodist Church, is located in Lorton. It is in Fairfax County, Virginia. The church was built between 1906 and 1908. Its architecture reflects the Late Gothic Revival style.
Imagine the scene in 1906. The first building committee meets. Elsie Wehn had married Robert Harrover. He was a carpenter. Robert Harrover and Gus Grimsley were selected to build the new church. They earned 25 cents per hour. The church was completed in 1908 for $570.
The first minister was Reverend Christopher Sydenstricker. He was the uncle of author Pearl Sydenstricker Buck.
Silverbrook Methodist Church measures about 24 feet by 40 feet. It is a rectangular, one-story structure. A front vestibule projects outward. A bell tower tops it.
The adjacent church cemetery dates to 1911. It holds stories of families. These families helped build the church.
The church’s story began before its building existed. Sunday School classes occurred in Silverbrook School. John Wehn, who moved from Baltimore in 1895, started it. He secured permission to use the school for classes. Adults soon joined the children.
The need for a dedicated church became clear. Fundraising commenced. The little white church was named after a small brook. The Evans family named it. Sunlight made the brook look like silver.
Silverbrook Church became a social center. Ham and oyster dinners were held. Quilting bees were organized. Annual homecomings were eagerly anticipated. John Mahon, a local man, helped build the church.
In the 1940s and 1950s, pot-bellied stoves heated the church. Sunday School classes met inside. They jockeyed for spots near the warmth. Elsie Harrover taught Sunday School. She also played piano and organ. Vacation Bible School was a summer highlight.
A wing was added. It housed a kitchen, meeting space, and offices. This allowed expansion of the sanctuary. Harold Wilson guided this expansion.
Silverbrook Methodist Church was listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register in 2003. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This recognizes its historical importance.
Today, Silverbrook UMC continues its traditions. It remains a center of faith and community. The story of Silverbrook Methodist Church is etched in its walls. It echoes in the laughter and hymns shared within.