Bethany United Methodist Church, Gloucester Point, will celebrate its 135th anniversary with homecoming activities on Sunday, Sept. 18, beginning with a 10 a.m. service of worship and celebration with former minister, the Rev. Debbie Marion, as guest speaker.
A covered-dish luncheon will follow the service in the fellowship hall, said a press release. Members and their community friends are invited.
The church began in 1887 as a small, one-room Sunday school, named Gloucester Point Chapel, a mission of Bethlehem Methodist Church in Bena. In 1897, work began on a main sanctuary across the road (now Old Route 17) from the original building. In 1904, the sanctuary was ordained Bethany Methodist Church and joined other churches in the Virginia Conference, sharing one minister with Bethlehem.
By 1922, two wings and a choir loft were added to the main sanctuary, and in 1950, a basement, consisting of four classrooms, kitchen, and large meeting area, was completed.
Bethany became a station ch...