Remember that time you saw a little white church nestled among towering trees? That’s Old Annandale Church. It’s a captivating piece of history. The original church wasn’t always white. It was built in 1846 on land donated by William Garges. This wasn’t just any building. It was a small frame structure. It became a Union Army hospital during the Civil War. The army eventually burned the church down along with the rest of the village. A new building was constructed in 1870. This one we see today. We call it the Little White Church. It’s a humble structure but holds significant memories.
The Little White Church wasn’t just a place of worship. In the 1880s and 1890s it housed Annandale’s first public school. Imagine children learning in a church basement with a dirt floor and potbellied stove. Water seeped in when it rained. The children had to wear boots. In 1907 a vestibule belfry and pulpit extension were added. The Ladies’ Aid Society donated a bell in 1908. This served as Annandale’s fire alarm until 1923. Its ringing marked not only emergencies but also joyous occasions like VJ Day in 1945.
But the story doesn’t end there. In 1946 a larger brick church was built on land given by Mr and Mrs Vernon Lynch. The community was growing. A larger sanctuary and more classrooms were needed to accommodate the expanding Sunday school. The Little White Church was no longer large enough for the growing congregation. It remained however a vital part of Annandale United Methodist Church. In 1965 the office wing was added to the new church. Church membership peaked in 1968 at 2815. Three Sunday services were held. Music was always important. Louise Miller became the first full-time music director in 1985.
The Little White Church had its own unique story. In 1973 it underwent major renovations. A car smashed into it in 2003 requiring another restoration. This small church has witnessed many changes over the years. It stands as a testament to the faith resilience and community spirit of Annandale. It continues to host services today a quiet place of worship and a symbol of the town’s history. So next time you see the Old Annandale Church take a moment. Reflect on its long and eventful past. The story of this church is a microcosm of Annandale’s rich history. It’s a story of resilience growth and faith.