About Us Historic Building

Our building, built by Bethesda Methodist Chruch, is the oldest original structure still standing in the Powdersville area. It is registered in the archives of both Wofford College and the Powdersville Library.

	1836	“Meeting house” constructed An “exhorter” preacher, James Dauthit, along with William Durham each gave one acre of land at the present site. The building was 30' by 40' with no windows or heat.
	1876	Dauthit Chapel 2 3⁄4 more acres were bought from Bob Rodgers, and the original meeting house was remodeled and named. At this chapel, everyone knelt at their seats for every prayer. Children were taught that it was “wrong” for them to sit in the pew at prayer time. A certain space was “set apart” for the colored people who worshipped at Bethesda Methodist Church until 1878, at which time they formed their own church called Cabin house Church.
	1890	New building constructed Construction started on a new building in december of 1890 and was finished April 1891. The total cost of the new building was $2,400.
	1929	Two-story annex created A second story was added to the rear of the building, making room for seven classrooms.
	1934	Bethesda Methodist Church celebrates its 100th Anniversary
	1948	Church building remodeled Additions and improvements were started that laid the foundation for the building you stand in today.
	1956	Elliot Hall added A new building addition was made and named in honor of the current pastor, Percival f. elliot from england.
	1973	Paved parking lot added 1 1⁄2 acres of asphalt parking by Cely Brothers PA system installed and in 1974 the a/c was added
	1977	Sanctuary remodeled Rennovations included the replacement of the sanctuary windows and the addtion of the narthex. Both of the original front doors were bricked over and one main entrance was created.

To this day, fifty-nine pastors have served congregations at this location. Fifty-six have been Methodist preachers.