Our History

Bethany Church was founded July 2, 1903, and from then until 1929 it was known as the Purcellville Methodist Episcopal Church South. The Rev. Frank Strother, who was pastor of Hamilton Circuit, founded Bethany, and it was originally one of four churches served by pastors of that circuit. The others were Harmony at Hamilton, Trinity at Rock Hill (2 miles south of Purcellville), and The Grove at Woodbury (south of Hamilton).

The Grove was closed in 1917, and Trinity discontinued in 1929. On August 25, 1929, the congregation moved into the current building and worshipped in its sanctuary for the first time. Bethany UMC has a gorgeous building that has continued to inspire people to come inside and hear the gospel preached. From the beginning until 1949, Bethany’s pastor was also pastor at Hamilton and lived in Hamilton. In 1949, Bethany became a station charge and has remained one ever since.

If you would like to come inside to see the building, please contact us to arrange a tour.