Bethel United Church of Christ was founded in 1896. The church has gone through many changes and adaptations throughout its 100+ years of existence.
We have a history room in the church! Visit us to discover more.
On August 25, 1896, sixteen dedicated persons decided to form a church. The first "meeting house" was built in 1899, and was located about two miles from the present location. The late Rev. J.W. Dofflemyer served the church as the first pastor, which was in the days of the circuit riders.
The church was moved to its present site in 1927 when a new sanctuary was erected. At that time the late Rev. J.W. Walters was serving as pastor. This church was named Bethel Christian Church. We later joined with the Congregationalists to form Bethel Congregational Christian, and still later we merged with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches to create Bethel United Church of Christ.
In 1968, the late Rev. Silas Madren, along with a Homecoming Committee, published an Anniversary Booklet. There are some discrepancies in this book. A few years ago a History Committee was elected at our annual meeting. Members are Loyce Hensley, Richard Monger, Cynthia Monger and Pam Rhodes.
In 2016 we will celebrate our 120th Annual Homecoming, and would like to have something in print for that occasion. It is interesting to note that on May 5, 1968 we had 105 people in attendance for Sunday School and Worship. (Our attendance for this past Sunday was 25 for Sunday School and 55 for Worship.)
If you would like to help maintain our church history, please call us: 540-298-1197
The church was moved to its present site in 1927 when a new sanctuary was erected. At that time the late Rev. J.W. Walters was serving as pastor. This church was named Bethel Christian Church. We later joined with the Congregationalists to form Bethel Congregational Christian, and still later we merged with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches to create Bethel United Church of Christ.
In 1968, the late Rev. Silas Madren, along with a Homecoming Committee, published an Anniversary Booklet. There are some discrepancies in this book. A few years ago a History Committee was elected at our annual meeting. Members are Loyce Hensley, Richard Monger, Cynthia Monger and Pam Rhodes.
In 2016 we will celebrate our 120th Annual Homecoming, and would like to have something in print for that occasion. It is interesting to note that on May 5, 1968 we had 105 people in attendance for Sunday School and Worship. (Our attendance for this past Sunday was 25 for Sunday School and 55 for Worship.)
If you would like to help maintain our church history, please call us: 540-298-1197
