History of the Bluemont Church on its 160th Anniversary
Members and friends of the Bluemont United Methodist Church gathered on August 7, 2011—not simply for regular Sunday worship—but also to celebrate the 160th anniversary of the church. Judy Anderson presented a lively history of the church (below). She also brought a transcript of the original property deed for the church dated June 16, 1851.
After the service, we made our way across the wooden bridge behind the old stone building to have lunch and conversation under a canopy erected for the occasion. Mike Elsea brought in a band, who played music later in the afternoon.
The presence of many “old timers” and children testified to the continuing vibrancy of this church.
A Review of the History of the Bluemont UM Church
Imagine the citizens of the tiny village of Snickersville in 1851 deciding they needed a church in the community.
The first order of business was to purchase a parcel of land which was accomplished for the tidy sum of $50.00. The funds for this approximate one acre were paid by the Ladies Benevolent Society of Snickersville. The treasurer of this ladies’ group was a man named George W. Bradfield! The land was granted to Frank T. Grady, Robert James, Owen Thomas, Meshack Silcott, and William Bradfield and their successors.
The deed clearly states that the land was to be used to erect a church and it could be used by any denomination. I quote from the deed, “If the event, that any question should hereafter arise as to who is embraced under the title of ‘Christian Denomination’ in this deed or any contest should arise about the occupation of such church between any of said denominations or any questions in regard to appropriating any portion of the said ground for burial purposes and the character of ‘public meetings’ which are allowed to be held on said ground these and all other questions relating to the occupation or enjoyment of said lot of land shall be decided and determined upon by the trustees to whom this conveyance is made.”
The Methodist Church immediately began worship here and has continued now for 160 years.
The construction of this beautiful stone building was carried out by volunteers of the village. Can you see us today recruiting people to take on such a monumental task … to build a 2-story stone church? As a friend said, “We can’t even get them to join the choir!”
Many of you have seen the inscription on the Bible here on the pulpit….it says….” In memory of Mary Ann Elizabeth Hesser Porter who attended Bluemont Methodist Sunday School when a little girl. Year 1863”. No one in our church today knows who this person was but it is part of the history of many generations of worshipers here.
The land behind the building was to be used as a public burial ground (which it was during the Civil War) or planted with shade trees and used for public meetings. This is where we will be serving lunch after our service today. Please join us & stay for special music that Mike Elsea has arranged with his band which he just brought together for this occasion.
This church has been home to church mice, black snakes (we have stories), ants, numerous ministers, but most importantly, the home of THE WORD. We all admire this devotion and the beauty of this building, but it is a building and WE are the church!
For 160 years of worship, we express our gratitude to people who gave so much of their time and talent to assure it continues to exist. I know there will be names omitted, but in my memory, I would like to give recognition to a few of them:
- Isabelle Dawson – Faithful member of the WSCS, predecessor of the United Methodist Women.
- “Aunt Freddie” Osburn Foerster – Pianist and worked tirelessly to raise money to purchase our organ.
- Emma Mann, a quiet, background person who accomplished so much and never sought recognition.
- Eston King – Superintendent of Sunday School and teacher of the teenage class.
- Ruth Meihm – Organist and choir director for many years.
- Maidlen Virts – Church treasurer for decades and Sunday School teacher.
- Ivy Cochran – Sunday School teacher, leader of the Youth Group, mentor, and an inspiration to all.
- Libby Stearn, – Very active in the United Methodist Women and Fair chairman for years.
- Grace Dawson,- Great testifier of God’s blessings and keeper of “The Amen Corner.”
- Betty Mitchell – Past Chairman of the Board and great “hands-on” worker in the church.
- Elva Buddenhagen – Pianist/organist and organized our Hymn Sings, which became a tradition.
- And most recently, Ralph Cochran and Wendell Denney, both members of the Men For Christ and strong witnesses to the glory and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We are the church of today and our young members are the church of tomorrow. Encourage them as we pray that this church family will exist for another 160 years! God bless!
The Church Deed
Only a few of the 32-page 1977 United Methodist church directories — which include Hillsboro, Bluemont and Roszell Chapel under one cover — still survive. Judy Anderson of Bluemont lent her copy so that it could be scanned in and shared over the internet with friends near and far.
The Directory supplies greeting from the pastor, Dr. Garland Wayne Jordan, a brief history of each of the three churches, photos of choir and musicians, portraits of the families of the church, and a membership list of each church.
 Front cover of the directory |
 Back cover of the directory |
 Dr. Garland Wayne Jordan, Pastor |
|---|---|---|
 History of Bluemont UM Church |
 Bluemont UM church choir |
 Families: Mrs. Robert Alexander – Miss Virginia Bell |
| Back row from left: Mark Cochran, Ruth Miehm, ____, _____, Sandy Sisk. Front row from left: Ralph Cochran, Larry Cochran, Hunter Kelley, & Bill Doerken. | ||
 Families: Mr. & Mrs. Donald Bowman – Ralph Cochran Family |
 Families: Robert Colbert Family – Barbara Hill & Family |
 Families: Mr. & Mrs. Warren Hurst – A. Florence Maitland |
 Families: Mr. & Mrs. Walton Mann – Mr. Roy Santmyer |
 Families: Andrew Sisk, Jr. Family – Louis Underwood Family |
 Member List: Alexander-Croumes |
 Member List: Crouch-Mann |
 Member List: Manuel-Underwood |
 Member List: Underwood-Wynkoop |