Rehoboth Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rehoboth Church
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Exterior of the church
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Union, West Virginia |
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| Built | 1786 |
| Architect | Edward Keenan |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002016 |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 1974 |
Rehoboth Church is a very old Methodist church located in the countryside of Monroe County, West Virginia. It is about 2 miles (3¼ km) east of the town of Union. This church is famous for being the oldest church building still standing in West Virginia. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.
Contents
The Church's Early Days
How Rehoboth Church Started
In the late 1780s, new settlers in the area of Union decided to create a Methodist church. They all worked together to build the church in 1785. The land for the church and its graveyard was given by Edward Keenan, who was a big part of the building effort.
Important Visits and Meetings
The church was officially opened in 1786 by Francis Asbury. He was the very first Methodist bishop in the United States. Rehoboth Church quickly became a key place for Methodism. Bishop Asbury came back at least three more times in the next ten years. He led important yearly meetings, called Annual Conferences, right there at the church.
What Rehoboth Church Looks Like Inside
Building Style and Features
Rehoboth Church was built using a simple style. It used log cabin construction methods. These were common for early settlers in the western parts of the Virginia Colony. Inside the church, a tall pulpit stands out. It was made from smooth wood. This design allowed everyone in the church to see and hear the speaker.
Seating and Special Areas
Three sides of the church have special raised seating areas called galleries. These galleries provided extra seats. During the time before the Civil War, one of these galleries was used for enslaved people. A steep, fixed ladder in one corner helps people get up to the galleries. Large log pillars and small supports in the walls hold up these seating areas. The ends of the logs are shaped like diamonds. Besides the pulpit, the only other furniture in the church are simple pews. These pews were made from logs cut in half. There are also wooden stands for lamps. The church also has an altar that people believe Bishop Asbury used.
Keeping the Church Safe
Restoration and Protection Efforts
Rehoboth Church was built simply from logs. Because of this, it naturally started to wear down over many years. Work to fix it up began in 1927. The whole building was repaired. By 1930, more efforts led to a strong shelter being built over the church. The original roof was kept, but a large tin roof was placed over the entire structure for extra protection.
Recognized as a Historic Place
A Methodist church history group has recognized Rehoboth Church. They named it a National Methodist Shrine. This is because it is the most western church in its region built before the Constitution was put into place. It is also the only such church in West Virginia. By the early 1960s, the building was still in good shape. It was even used sometimes for church services. On December 31, 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, there is a small museum near the church for visitors to learn more.
See also
- List of the oldest churches in the United States
- List of the oldest buildings in West Virginia
