The Brucetown United Methodist Church has been richly blessed with a unique history that dates back to pre-Civil War times in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Preaching the Gospel and sharing God's Word has been the main stay of this small community, for well over 100 years. Today's church stands as tribute to all those who have persevered throughout the years, and clung tightly to their beliefs and of their faith in God, family, and community.
Historical Facts:
The original Church was a one-story construction built of brick and stood 15 to 20 ft. west and parallel with the present church. The Rev. Mr. Kelly who also was a schoolteacher, conducting a school and operating a general store in the parsonage, held Church services occasionally during the Civil War. A. W. Wilson was a junior preacher and later was made Bishop. Rev. Wm. Hedges followed Rev. Kelly.
The Old Baltimore Conference historical records indicate that Bishop Francis Asbury himself visited Brucetown in 1781 and spent the night with a Brother Bruce.
In 1873 there was a deed recorded in the Frederick County Clerk’s Office to the Trustees of the Brucetown Methodist Church, for a parcel of land. The Trustees paid Mr. Isaac E. Pidgeon the sum of fifty dollars.
In 1874 the Free Mason Organization with appropriate ceremonies laid the corner stones for the present church. George Philips of Berryville was the Architect and supervised the construction of the building. Only the first floor was completed at this time. The Rev. Mr. Sylvanas Townsend was the pastor in charge, with Dr. J. P. Hyde, also a schoolteacher and preaching occasionally.
Later years the church was completed and during the Rev. Mr. F.A. Strother’s pastorate, 1885-1889, the belfry was added and the iron fence was built.
In December of 1953 the stained glass windows replaced the auditorium windows of clear glass and wooden shutters. many of the stained glass windows in the sanctuary are memorials, provided by both by individuals and families.
The huge bell located in the belfry is inscribed with the words: “M.C. Shane Bell Foundry Henry McShane and Co., Baltimore, Md. Trade Mark 1887”.
The Santuary Bible, is quite possibly the original one used in this new church, and carries the date 1878.
The kitchen was added to the rear of the church in about 1944. It has been remodeled several times over the years.
On the back of the clock presently located in the Social Hall are the words: “Rededication, May 8, 1938. Andy Whitacre, Treasurer. Raised $465.00”.
The two-story, brick educational building was constructed during the 1966-67 period.
A six-foot stained glass window showing Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane was installed in 1972. Also of that year the communion table and paraments, that are still used today, was given to the church by the United. Methodist Women.
On October 13, 1974 Brucetown United Methodist Church celebrated it’s 100 Anniversary.
The Winchester District Superintendent, Dr. David Forrest, joined in with Brucetown United Methodist Church congregation as they celebrated the opening of a new elevator Sunday, February 05, 2006 with a special service and dedication ceremony.
Many of these facts have been extracted from documents preserved in the archive below.
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| Historical Archives - Former Ministers Past & Present | ||
Rev. H. Israel Rev. Charles McElfresh Rev. Wm. Prettyman Rev. John Start Rev. Wm. S. Baird Rev. J. F. Follen Rev. F. C. Tebbs Rev. Sam Register Rev. Nelson Head Rev. A. B. Boude Rev. T. H. Strother Rev, F. A. Fox Rev.. J. W. Shoaff Rev. Wm. Hedges Rev. J. W. Kelly Rev. J. S. Gardiner Rev. W. G. Eggleston Rev. S. Townsend Rev. John Gilbert Rev. _______ Wade |
Rev. J. W. Wolfe |
Rev. Frank Fuicher Rev. Emory. S. Elimore Rev. J. S. Peebles Rev. William R. Withers Rev. Robert Couch Rev. Richards Rev. Alexander C. Yates Rev. William Braxton Epps Rev. George King Rev. Jeff-Morris Hendrix Rev. Virginia Wyse Rev. Timothy Kidd Dr. Forrest Racey Rev. Tom Berlin Rev. Christine Suerdick Rev. Frankie Perdue Rev. Jay Kelchner Rev. Jack Julcher Rev. Mary Lock Rev. C. Marc Roberson |
| Historical Archives - News Articles - And More... | ||
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A History of the Brucetown (Va) United Methodist Church, written by Douglas B. O'Connell on October 12, 1969, at the dedication of the brick Sunday School, as the church celebrates 95 years of worship and devotion. |
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United Methodist Church - 100 Years In Brucetown VA, written by Douglas B. O'Connell on October 13, 1974, as the church celebrates it's 100th Anniversary. |
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Adopt-A-Highway, United Methodist Church, written by Cynthia J. Drake on June 29, 1999, as residents of Brucetown pick up trash along the highway. |
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Historic Cemetary Restored, Brucetown (Va) United Methodist Church. The Winchester Star article written by Linda McCarty in the, describes the restoration project. |
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Historical Cemetery at the Brucetown (Va) United Methodist Church, Clearbrook, Virginia. The cemetery itself is quite old. The oldest marked grave is 1822, there are possibly older graves, but they are marked only with some type of field stone. The cemetery grounds are in excellent condition due to the efforts of church members and interested individuals. |
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