Westerloo near Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Chester-Bethel United Methodist Church
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 14, 2010
1. Chester-Bethel UMC Marker
The roots of this congregation can be traced to the efforts of Methodist pioneer Thomas Webb, who visited this area to spread the message of his faith in the years prior to the American Revolution. Influenced by his sincerity and eloquence, a local society of Methodists was organized circa 1775. The first meetings were held in the homes of its members. Around 1780, a log meeting house was constructed on land provided by Robert Cloud. Known as Cloud's Chapel, this building served the congregation until 1799, when it was replaced by a stone structure that became known as Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1873, the members decided to build a church at the opposite end of the adjoining graveyard. Additional land was obtained, and a new serpentine stone and brick building was completed and dedicated in 1874. After nearly a century of use, the need for a new sanctuary arose, and the present church was constructed. The building was formally opened on October 15, 1972.
Erected 2001 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-120.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 15, 1972.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Chester-Bethel United Methodist Church Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Ebright Azimuth (approx. 1.1 miles away); Grubb Family Burying Ground (approx. 1.6 miles away); Village of Arden (approx. 1.6 miles away); Harvey Barn (approx. 1.8 miles away); Pennsylvania (approx. 2.2 miles away in Pennsylvania); Grace Episcopal Church (approx. 2.6 miles away); French & Indian Wars (approx. 2.6 miles away in Pennsylvania). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Also see . . . Thomas Webb. Google Books entry:
History of Delaware : 1609-1888: Local history (Submitted on December 28, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 14, 2010
2. Chester-Bethel United Methodist Church & Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., unknown
3. Chester-Bethel Church: A United Methodist Congregation
Church history website entry
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 836 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on January 2, 2019, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 28, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
