Old Bethel Methodist Church celebrates its 227th anniversary

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- Old Bethel Methodist Church celebrated its 227th anniversary, doing what it knows best, worshipping God and reading scripture.

“This church has been through an awful lot. As we come through all the things we had to struggle with, with Covid and on, it was a time for us to let our hair down and celebrate,” Pastor David Washington said.

Not only is Old Bethel the longest-standing Methodist church in Charleston, but it’s also one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to 1797.

“It’s one of those things that you have so much to embrace that’s behind you but it fuels you to move forward,” Washington said.

It’s a church with such a rich history.

When Old Bethel was first started in the late 1700s, it was a congregation of both black and white members, and both freed and enslaved people.

In the 1800’s there was a dispute over seating inside the church which prompted a lot of the members to leave.

So today’s anniversary, Washington says is focused on unity.

“Every time we stop and look back at what we’ve accomplished, it only adds to the pile of things we look to do in the future, as we continue to want to be that light on the hill,” Washington said.

Washington says nothing makes him happier than to see the pews filled with so many different people.

“So many different faces from so many different parts of the country. I’m so thankful and blessed,” Washington said.