In 1846 on land donated by William Garges a Methodist church was built. This is the Annandale United Methodist Church. It’s a well-known landmark. Many stories surround it. Some say it was a Union hospital during the Civil War. There’s no evidence to support this. Union troops did camp nearby after the Second Battle of Bull Run. They damaged the church taking wood planks for firewood.
The real story is different. In 1863 General Blenker and Colonel Lowell used the church. They used it as quarters then dismantled it. The church fell into disrepair. Services moved to a local home. By 1864 it was called the “Old” Annandale church. The trustees claimed compensation for the church’s use and destruction. In 1887 they petitioned the Court of Claims. The court awarded them $2500. However no money was paid.
In 1914 they petitioned again. They proved the church was loyal to the Union. This time they received $850. The little white church we see today was built between 1868 and 1870. Thomas Walker built it. It included a balcony for African American worshippers. The basement became Annandale’s first public school. In 1907 a belfry pulpit and vestibule were added. The Ladies Aid Society donated a bell in 1908. It served as the town’s fire alarm until 1945.
In 1946 a larger brick church was built on land donated by the Lynches. Additions followed in 1956 and 1966. The Annandale United Methodist Church cemetery is adjacent to the church. It holds over 100 headstones. The oldest is from 1828. The church has seen renovations. One in 1973 and another after a car crashed into it in 2003. The Annandale United Methodist Church continues to serve the community. It’s a place of worship and community gathering. It stands as a testament to Annandale’s history. Its story is one of resilience and faith. It’s a landmark that truly embodies the spirit of this town.