xxxxxThe annual services at Old Bethel Church will be held on Sunday, August 25 with an all-day service beginning at 11 a.m.

xxxxxOnce a year, always on the last Sunday in August, Old Bethel, rich in Clarke county history, opens its doors to worshipers whose families were a part of the church.

(Webmaster's note: The annual service is usually held on the 4th Sunday of August. MLM)

xxxxxMany descendants of Bethel Meeting House-- as it was known a century or more ago--make the trip back to the brick structure which overlooks rich pasture lands and fine estates. These are people who have moved from the county.

xxxxxBethel is old. There are indications that there was a meeting house on the site as early as 1765. An old deed describes a tract of land of 53,000 acres along the Shenandoah River made in 1730 by Thomas, Lord Fairfax to certain of Robert (King) Carter's descendants.

xxxxxThe tract described in the deed included Old Bethel Church and Lover's Leap. It included a clause excepting "God's Acre on the Hill known as Bethel Meeting House."

xxxxxWhile it was seen to indicate the building in 1765, there is no available evidence to show it. But there is evidence to prove that the building was replaced by a log structure in 1790. This second church was destroyed by fire in 1827 and replaced three years later by the present building.

xxxxxThe present church has stood for 133 years unchanged--and unlocked--for, as B. B. McKay, one of the trustees, says, "Old Bethel is a memorial set aside for the good people who have passed on. It is open 365 days a year, a quiet, peaceful and hallowed spot for prayer and meditation.

xxxxxWhile noting that Old Bethel has stood unchanged for over a century, there have been changes made inside. For instance, the gallery where sat slaves and free servants during the early days, has long since been removed and built over. The kerosene lamps are intact, and there are alcoves for the two stoves which used to be inside.

xxxxxThe War Between the States had its impact on Old Bethel. One entry in an old minute book states, "young men have gone to war to defend their country's rights." There were no other entries in the book from 1862 to 1865.

xxxxxA handsome old pewter service used for communion is on display. There are also two old chairs and a settee which were given in 1860, and hand-wrought woodwork dominates the archetecture.

(Webmaster's note: I believe the items discribed above are now on display at the Clarke County Historical Society museum in Berryville, Va. MLM)

xxxxxOld Bethel acted as judge and jury in many cases involving its membership. The minute books often refer to slaves of the communicants. There is an entry made in 1808 as follows: "Brother Davis informs the church that Sister Milley the property of Samuel Bryarly, that it appears she has two husbands. Brother Davis is appointed to make inquiry into the case and have her appear at the next meeting of business."

xxxxxSo at the next meeting, "Sister Milley" did appear, "came forward and related her exercise of mind for having two husbands and gave full satisfaction to the church."

xxxxxOn May 13, 1809, this item was recorded: "Brother William Davis informed that Brother Peter, the property of Sister Helm, has by some means conducted himself to receive a whipping at the publick whipping post. Brother S. Leake is to inform him to be at our next meeting."

xxxxxThen Brother Peter appeared and gave the reasons for being whipped, "It appears that the church can bear with him and hold him in fellowship."

xxxxxOne of the brothers of the church "wishing to resign the office from cause of his wife not being the exact character stated by the Apostle Paul, the church has considered him and he is acquited."

xxxxxIn February, 1810, "We, the church think proper to raise a fund for the traveling preachers--and each preacher to receive two dollars."

xxxxx"Complaint against Brother Henry Fox for drinking to excess. He confesses his sorrow for so doing and is acquited........Brother James Sowers informs the church that he has treated one of his servants rather inhumane, in consequence of his insolence, and he himself feels that the same may prove injurious to the cause of God, gave satisfaction of his past felt sorrow on account of it."

xxxxxBrother Fox apparently couldn't give up his drinking, and it was noted that he was excluded from fellowship. One brother was cited for drinking to intoxication and for having played cards all night. He was excommunicated, as was another brother for committing adultry.

xxxxxOne sister loaded a pistol with intent to shoot another but was foiled and made the remark that she wished that she would have "the hottest corner in hell." The case of William P. Nelson's colored woman Lucy, for scalding a colored man by throwing boiling water in his face, was settled on the grounds that it was justified.

xxxxxIn 1790 Old Bethel Church was a log building. Thirty-seven years later it was destroyed by fire and replaced in 1830 by the present structure. But, according to B. B. McKay, one of the trustees, there is evidence of a meeting house on the present site as early as 1765. It was a Quaker church.

xxxxxMr. McKay says that a paper found refers to "God's acre on a hill known as Bethel Meeting House."

xxxxxServices will be renewed at Old Bethel Church on Sunday, August 25, at 11 a. m. when the doors will be open to worshipers who have been a part of the church since 1790. The services bring back descendants of these people. They gather early, look over the graveyard and surrounding grounds on which the edifice stands, renew acquaintenances and then go into church to hear a message from a speaker concerning the history of Old Bethel.

xxxxxFollowing the morning service, worshipers gather outside and, on a long table that flanks a side of the church, are fried chicken, old ham and other picnic foods.

xxxxxThen the congregation is called back into the church to hear the annual memorial sermon.

xxxxxThe service over people depart for their homes. They will return next August, the fourth Sunday for another annual service.

xxxxxMrs. Richard E. Byrd will be the principal speaker at the annual services at Old Bethel Church, near Millwood, on Sunday, August 25.

xxxxxThe services will begin at 11 a. m., with a speaking program by Mrs. Byrd. A. Mackay-Smith, chairman of the Board of Trustees, will also speak.

xxxxxMrs. Byrd, who is president of the Clarke County Historical Association, will be introduced by Edward B. Lee, chairman of the Clarke County Board of Supervisors.

xxxxxD. W. Neff is in charge of the choir, and the organist is Mrs. Francis Hudson.

(Webmaster's note: "Neff" should read "Naff". MLM)

xxxxxA picnic luncheon will be served at noon.

xxxxxThe memorial services will be held at 2 p. m. It will be in charge of the Rev. Paul E. Reiter and the Rev. Winston McKay.

(I tried to scan them as best as I could from the copy of the newsclipping I have. Some may be blurry.)

(Webmaster's note: The above pedigree of Mr. Frank Burch is one generation incorrect. He is actually the son of Matilda Elizabeth Sowers and Hillary Gibson Burch; the grandson of George Kerfoot Sowers & Frances Eliza Mitchell; and the great-grandson of James Sowers & Elizabeth Kerfoot. MLM)