Old Bridge United Methodist Church

Whispers of faith began in Lake Ridge in 1986. The Northern Virginia Board of Missions of the United Methodist Church saw a need. They started preparing for a new church. By September, they had a contract for the land where Old Bridge United Methodist Church now stands. The church’s journey started in a parsonage on Manitoba Drive, purchased in May 1987. Reverend Milton Marks became the first pastor in June 1987. The first church meeting took place in the parsonage in July 1987. Seven families attended this intimate gathering. The very first worship service happened at Springwoods Elementary School on August 30, 1987. Imagine 106 people squeezed into child-sized chairs, their faith bigger than the furniture. Old Bridge United Methodist Church officially formed on December 20, 1987. It began with 53 charter members and 45 preparatory members. The growing congregation needed more space. They moved to Lake Ridge Middle School’s cafeteria on October 22, 1989. This time, they had adult-sized chairs. The first Easter Sunrise Service on the church property itself took place on Easter Sunday, 1990. James A. Hewitt, III, became the pastor in June 1991. The official groundbreaking ceremony happened on May 16, 1993. Construction began in December of that year. A special moment occurred on January 13, 1995. The wooden cross, used for the 1991 Easter Sunrise Service, was carried from the middle school to the new church building at 3966 Old Bridge Road. The first service in the new building was held on January 25, 1995. Bishop Stockton consecrated the building on February 26, 1995. The church continued to flourish. By the end of 1996, membership reached 535. They needed more Sunday School space. Trailers served as a temporary fix in 1997. That same summer, Kimberly Barker-Brugman joined as a part-time Associate Pastor. Planning for permanent expansion began. Paula P. Werner became the Associate Pastor in June 1999. By the early 2000s, Old Bridge United Methodist Church had two Sunday services, Sunday School, and Wednesday prayer services. Numerous Bible study classes, youth fellowships, and meetings for men and women also took place. The church sponsored Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops. Their mission extended beyond their walls. They supported various causes like gleaning for The Society of St. Andrew, serving at homeless shelters, and helping needy families. They even provided backpacks and school supplies for local students. From June 2000 to June 2004, the congregation was led by Reverends John W. Ashley and Paula P. Werner. In June 2004, Burton C. Robinson took the helm. He was supported by a team of Lay Pastors. Together, they nurtured the congregation and served the community.