File:Bethel-ame-church-petersville.jpg

Summary

Information on this church, according to the South Mountain Heritage Society:

"Besides St. Mary's Church, another African American congregation existed in Petersville. Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1868 by free Blacks living in the community. The frame building, clad in board and batten siding, was constructed in 1868 and was nearly identical to Ceres Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, built two years later on South Mountain above Burkittsville.

Union Bethel Church remained in use until the latter part of the 20th century before its congregation disbanded and the building was abandoned. The site is still marked by a cemetery."

Lisa Roy I have many relatively buried there. The local DAR put together an incredible book highlighting the church and cemetery.

Annette Butler Several family members and folks tied to our family from generations ago are buried there. We visit every Memorial Day and clean up their gravesites. The grass in the cemetery is always cut that weekend (at least) and we are so thankful someone cares to take on that job.

Jody Brumage The church stood at the end of First Street in Petersville. The graveyard is still there at the site of the church building.

(Photograph from the Zirkle Collection, donated by Georgia Ann Zirkle to the South Mountain Heritage Society)