How about a church with roots stretching back to 1740? This is Arcola Church. It is not just a building. It’s a story etched in time.
Evidence suggests the earliest church was a simple log cabin. It stood near Gum Spring. That spring still flows today. It gave the village of Gum Spring its name. This early Anglican church evolved. It became Presbyterian. It even became a Free Church. All denominations were welcome there. But by 1834, records of the church vanished. It seemed to fade away.
Then, in 1853, the Lewis family stepped in. They gifted the “Schoolhouse Lot” to the Methodist Protestant Church. A building rose. Worship was reborn. Methodists used it twice a month. Other churches filled the remaining Sundays.
In 1861, Arcola village made a fateful decision. They voted to secede from the Union. Tradition says the Civil War transformed the church. It became quarters and a hospital. Its location near the Turnpike proved strategic. Troops flowed north to Leesburg. During this time, the church aligned with the Methodist Episcopal Church South. This split from the Northern Methodists happened in 1844. The issue? Slavery.
After the war, Arcola Church joined the Gum Spring Charge. This included eight different churches. Crossroads, Floris, and Sterling UMC were among them. In 1894, Gum Spring members helped create Pleasant Valley UMC. Early in the 20th century, names shifted. The Post Office changed Gum Spring to Arcola. This avoided confusion with another Gum Springs in Louisa County, Virginia. In 1939, the northern and southern churches reunited. In 1968, the Methodist Church joined with the EUB Church. Together, they formed the United Methodist Church.
Arcola Church continued its community role. It helped establish the Arcola Volunteer Fire Department. It assisted the Arcola Lions Club. The church was also key in founding Arcola Elementary School in 1939. During the 1950s, the parsonage was built. It is now the Cross Building. It honors John Cross.
John Cross was a neighbor and house painter. He wasn’t a church member. But he was part of the community. He left 20% of his estate to the church. The money paid off the debt on his house.
In the 1960s, the Fellowship Hall was added. This defied the Methodist Church. In 1989, Arcola became a “station church.” Ryan UMC split off and became Ashburn/Crossroads. This was a tough period. The church faced declining numbers and tight budgets. Bake sales and dinners kept the doors open.
In 1995, Arcola Church partnered with the Arlington District and the Virginia Conference. This brought a full-time pastor and money to start anew. Through 2002, the church received support from United Methodists across Virginia.
In 2002, the church received four acres from a neighbor. In exchange, they got one of Betty Jones’ coconut cakes. Planning began for a new worship center. Ground broke in May 2004. The first Sunday of worship was held on Mother’s Day 2005. Soon after, the Riedel Memorial Fountain was added.
The tower and garden are dedicated to Elinore Jean Riedel. She died from cancer. Throughout her life, she left a legacy of faith and compassion.
In 2005, planning began for future expansion. Thanks to a donation, the church’s land exceeded eight acres.
In the fall of 2010, Phase II was completed. This added classrooms and Ruth Hall. In 2020, Phase III included Pearson Chapel and music spaces.
Arcola Church has fostered a community. It is moved by faith. It serves others.