Once know as the Old Sassafras Stage Church, Bethel is the oldest independent African American congregation in Sassafras and one of the oldest in Gloucester County. Bethel dates from the 19th century. One prayer meeting community know for large gatherings under bush arbors on the Lord’s Day was known as “Sassafras Stage.” Following the abolition of slavery in 1865,  a former slave owner, Dr. J. Catlett Stubbs, donated an acre of land in Sassafras for the Black worshipers to have a place of their own to hold their services. On July 16, 1887 the first building was erected not too far from where our present church stands. It was built with an altar railing, pulpit and gallery.

Our Founders

Rebecca Baytop

Jack Booth

Beverley Burrell

Eliza Bernard

Catherine Carter

Eliza Carter

Sam Carter

Lucy Cooke

John Carter

John Leigh

Sarah Leigh

James F. Lemon

Elizabeth Lemon

Daniel Lockley

Sarah Smith

Judie Whiting

The congregation grew rapidly with the consolidation of five previous prayer meeting communities swelling the membership to 950 in 1886 during the pastorate of our second pastor, John W. Booth. There was need for a larger building. In 1889, our present sanctuary was built. Most of the work was free and voluntary with many materials being donated. The cornerstone having been laid June 12, 1889; November 26th was a day of great rejoicing as the congregation marched from the old church to the new church singing "Amazing Grace."

Bethel represents one of the oldest independent black congregations in Gloucester

The Virginia State Department of Historic Resources recognized Bethel as a historical site in 2001. This designation included its listing on the state’s list of historic places and an unveiling and dedication of a state highway marker.