A History of
Bethel Community
Church
Radford, VA
1838-Present
First Building
1838-1882
The preaching of two young men, Jacob Bishop and Crockett Gobby, in the log meeting house of Daniel Miller inspired the name "Bethel" The first building was constructed in Dry Valley, Montgomery County Virginia.
Second Building
1882-1964
The second church was a white frame building, built on land purchased for $1.00 from Harvey and Mary Gilmore. It was located near the forks of the Old Ingles Ferry Turnpike and the mountain road
(now State Routes 177 & 664)
Over the years some changes were made to the original church including building of Virginia Carper Annex, first occupied Easter Sunday 1954. This building was also used as a school in the mid 1950s while Bethel School was being built.
The congregation from Old Brick Presbyterian met in the church too while their church was rebuilt.
Bethel Elementary School
The congregation met at Bethel Elementary School because the second building was torn down due to the line of right-of-way for the proposed widening of State Route 177 running through the center of it.
The State Highway Department paid $18,360.88.
The school building has also been torn down as of 2006.
Current Building
February 6, 1966
The church suffered a feeling of helplessness when the road claimed our building and the members considered several possible solutions to the dilemma, ultimately deciding to build a new Bethel Church. In 1964 land was purchased from Carol Gerald
Frank Kemp was hired to build the new building.
The chandelier hanging in the current building was brought from the old church and donated by Mrs. Russell Carper. Earl Carper, her grandson, made the cross currently behind the pulpit from the floor joists of the previous building.
The new ( and current ) building was first used on February 6, 1966. Seven years later, the loan was fully paid off and a dedication service was held in May of 1973.
Current Building
1980s-2023
Early in the 1980s the steeple, complete with bell, was added
Other additions in the 1980's include a picnic shelter, and four Sunday School rooms.
In 2014, a wooden, white cross that is lit at night was installed on the hill beside the church building.
In 2015, a prayer garden was completed on the church grounds and it is paved with bricks dedicated in honor or memory of loved ones is included as well as benches, and a plaque with Psalm 23 written at the garden's entrance gate.
During the warmer time of year, Sunday worship services are held her for special occasions.
2023-Present
In 2023, the church voted to leave the United Methodist Church organization to become and independent church.
Today we are Bethel Community Church.
