Bethel Church doors to open for one last time

At 10:45 a.m on Sunday the pews will be full and music will once again be heard at old Bethel Church, just outside of Eldersville, for one last Sunday. The people of Eldersville UMC will return to their roots by celebrating worship at the church that founded their congregation 179 years ago as a way of returning to their heritage.

"This is an opportunity for us to relive some old memories and to add a few new ones in the life of our church," says Rev. Dana Hiles. The Bethel Cemetery Association now owns the building that is surrounded by Bethel Cemetery.

According to members of the cemetery board, the church itself has not been open for almost four years and they are happy to open the doors, let some fresh air in if only for one more Sunday morning.

Bethel Methodist Church had its origin on the original Redstone Circuit in 1784-1787 when class meetings were held in the home of Alexand Wells. The original church building was built in 1814.

In 1829, the year Eldersville Church was formed, there was a church split, with most of the congregation joining the Methodist Protestant denomination. Those who remained in the Methodist Episcopal denomination shared the church building, until a new church was constructed in 1832 beside the old building. The group folded within 10 years.

The congregation met in homes in the community until 1919 when the present building was constructed. Bethel and Eldersville were on a joint charge, sharing pastors from 1829 until 1978 when Bethel church was closed. Its membership of 68 was merged with the Eldersville Church.

The public is invited to this special service at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday.