082-0003

Bethlehem Church

VLR Listing Date

12/16/1980

NRHP Listing Date

06/25/1985

NRHP Reference Number

85001414

Built in 1844-45 by the local stonemason Jeremiah Clemens, Bethlehem Church is the oldest stone church in Rockingham County and the second church of a local Quaker meeting. With its rectangular form, gabled roof, lack of ornamentation, and limestone construction, the church reflects the conservative character of the Shenandoah Valley’s mid-19th-century country churches. It also demonstrates the persistence of a strong local masonry tradition in the Linville and Smith Creek areas. The two-door, two-aisle arrangement was a hallmark of country meetinghouses. During the Civil War the church stood in the line of battle in the Valley campaign and served as a hospital. The Quakers merged with the local Christian church after the Civil War. Regular services ceased to be held in the Bethlehem Church building in 1952 when a new church was built next door.

Last Updated: October 9, 2023

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Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark

For additional information Read

Nomination Form

216-5097

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