Miss Ann Eustace Blackwell gave it its name. This is Bethel United Methodist Church. It stands as a testament to faith. It is a landmark of community.
Bethel United Methodist Church’s story began before its building. In 1834 the building was constructed. Early members belonged to a church in Warrenton. They often met in neighborhood houses. They waited until their church was built.
John Blackwell, John Hancock Gaskins and Alfred Gaskins formed the original building committee. James Blackwell donated the land. He declared it must be a free church. It has remained so ever since. Alfred Gaskins provided the stone. It came from his farm Glen Lonely on Wildcat Mountain. Members hauled the stone. The Kerns family were the masons. Slave labor helped build Bethel United Methodist Church. Harriet Settle was one such enslaved person. She hauled rocks with an ox-cart. She carried them to the masons.
The original building was dedicated in September 1834. Miss Ann Eustace Blackwell named it Bethel. After the dedication a revival meeting occurred. Every workman joined the church. Ellen Blackwell collected items for the Missionary Society. She went around the community with a bucket.
The Blackwell family shaped Bethel Church’s history. They influenced the community. Mrs. Louise Blackwell played the organ. Miss Nannie Blackwell taught Sunday School. Joseph Hancock Blackwell was a member. He was Chief of Rangers for the Mosby Rangers.
In 1893 the Methodist Church wanted to acquire Bethel Church. The Blackwell family had always held the property. On April 11, 1893, the land was transferred. It went to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
From 1916 Sam Lunsford led the church. He was a faithful member. He kept Bethel open. It was part of the Methodist system. In 1968 the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren Churches merged. Bethel United Methodist Church became its new name. Also in 1968, Bethel split from Warrenton United Methodist Church. With Rev. Harry Meredith’s help, it became a station church. In June 1973, Bethel joined Gainesville United Methodist Church. It formed a two-station charge. Finally in June 1988, Bethel became a station church again. It split with Gainesville and took on a student pastor.
From 1988 to 2002, Bethel had student pastors. They helped the church grow spiritually. During this time, the congregation nurtured four student pastors. They were ordained in the Virginia Conference. They now serve other churches. The fifth student pastor graduated and stayed. He helped Bethel transition. It became a vital station church with a full-time pastor.
In the last 20 years, Bethel’s growth has been strong. This was due to financial planning and giving. Every year, the budget increased. Bethel paid all apportionments. Outreach expanded. Nurture activities grew. Facilities improved. A pavilion was built and paid for in 1997. A parsonage was built in 1993. The loan was paid off in 2001. Today the sanctuary is refurbished. There is a new social hall. They have begun to pay off the incurred notes.
Bethel Church has a history of worship. It has a history of service. It is now working to establish an endowment fund. This will assure its mission. It will help it share God’s love. It hopes to make disciples for Christ. It wants to serve its community. It will do this long into the future.
Pastor Nadeem serves here today. He was appointed to Bethel United Methodist Church in July 2024.