Church celebrates 150 years

By Amy Banton
Published: June 11, 2008

Bethlehem Methodist Episcopal Church recently celebrated its 150th birthday. 

“We stand on the shoulders of those who had the vision to establish our church.” Rev. Randy Harlow said during a sesquicentennial service on June 8. “We have inherited their legacy and now have the opportunity to build a legacy of our own, building upon the foundation laid by our founders and those of succeeding generations.”

The first Bethlehem church was built in 1858 and sits on what is now Saunders Brothers Farm. The Saunders have painted and re-roofed the building over the years.

Harlow remembers playing baseball in the field in front of the old, white building where a crowd of several dozen was able to find shade from the 97-degree heat on June 8. 

After giving a detailed historical outline, Harlow led the congregation in various songs that were sung in the 1800’s. 

Shirley Greer, the church historian researched the history of the church for a year by looking through materials Nelson County library and church records. 

“I think the history speaks for itself,” Greer said. “It was a history lesson for me. It was like a crossword puzzle, or a jigsaw puzzle, really.”

Today, Bethlehem United Methodist is located in a church built in 1923. It’s located on Patrick Henry Highway in Roseland. The church will hold a homecoming service on Sept. 28.