Asbury United Methodist Church
Brownsburg, Virginia

- A rendition of Asbury by W. R. del Feld, featured in the Brownsburg Cookbook -

History of Asbury 
Members of the congregation wrote the following short history in celebration of the 123rd anniversary of Asbury United Methodist Church (1869-1992).

    Due to lack of information and time for research, this history will not be as complete as we would like it to be, nor can we mention all of the names of those who have made so many valuable contributions to the growth of our church, but we hope that all members will feel that he or she had a part in shaping this Christian Heritage that we now enjoy. When we think of the early Christians, we are impressed by the fact that life for them meant love, service and sacrifice. They laid the foundation and with cherished memories we pay our tribute to these founders who sleep beneath the soil.

    Before our Church was organized, both Negro and White attended the same church, New Providence Presbyterian Church of Raphine, VA, until a few members asked to organize a church in Brownsburg, VA. A one-half acre of land was purchased from Andrew Patterson and his wife Margaret W. Patterson on "Back Street" in Brownsburg and on the S.W. side known as "Kelley's lot" and deeded to the Trustees, namely, William Phillips, Andrew Brown, Spencer Johnson, Preston Carter and Isaac Lewis, for the sum of $100.00. This was the beginning of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Brownsburg. We do not know the date construction began, but under the leadership of John Marshall Harris, father of Arlieta Harris Rowland of Lexington, members and friends of the church started construction. This church did not come easy. It came through understanding and co-operation of Christians, sacrifices of families and above all, respect and obedience to God.

    Our forefathers gave their labor, skills, and pennies and prayers that those who would come after them might enjoy the fruits of their labor.

    On November 25, 1889, a piece of ground was given to this church by Henry P. Mitchell and his wife, Rebecca Mitchell to the Trustees, John Craney, James Shoultz, William Phillips, Samuel Gilmore and J. A. Peters. This piece of land borders Patterson's line and running to the Withrow field. The conditions concerning the giving of this were that a "good substantial border be kept in good condition, so that no animals can get in the same." Another lot was given to the church for the cemetery by Walter Reese and Family, bordering the cemetery on the S.W. corner of the present one.

    The Parsonage was built after the completion of the church on the same lot. The Parsonage was for the residence of pastors and their families. Those pastors served the Rockbridge Baths United Methodist Church and Lawson Chapel, Fairfield.  Some of the pastors who served were: Rev. J. H. Lewis, Rev. John A. Reid, Rev. William J. Tyler and Rev. Venture.

    Unfortunately the church was destroyed by fire. There is no record showing what year the second church was built, but we do know that it was built in the same spot. Ground was broken by Mr. James Shoulth, a blind man, assisted by Mr. James Gilmore. In the building of the second church, help came from members of the community and surrounding communities. the cornerstone was laid in May 1917 by Rev. R. R. Robinson, Pastor.

    Some of the pastors during this era were: Rev. C. C. Wilson, R. R. Robinson, W. G. Simms, J. A. Carter, J. H. Holland, Perry G. Myers, Eugene Boone, R. S. Abernathy, Sr., C. G. Coleman, Rev. Keets, James Cannon, S. H. Revells, Theodora Sembly, J. D. Foy, Rev. Dogan Williams, Rev. D. Wythe, Rev. R. Flood, Rev. H. J. Lewis, Rev. Walter Hurd, Rev. J. Carter, Jr., Rev. John Betha, Rev. Kelsey H. Harris, Rev. R. E. Monroe, Rev. Joseph Walker, Rev. Lucy Hughes, and Dr. John A. Fisher. We were also privileged to have, in the late 1930's, to help with the duties of the church, Deaconess Florence Gaither serving. We have been a part of the Lexington Larger Parish, and twice a part of West Staunton College. Our current Pastor is Conchita Holtz.

    During Rev. Harris' pastorate, our church was almost completely renovated, rewired, painted inside and out, windows fixed, basement floor installed, and central heating/air put in. We have also been able to replace the front steps of the church.

    May we give our thanks to God and note the heights we have scaled and the goals we have accomplished for the years we have left. Always carry this prayer with you.

Our Father God help us to see
    That all in Thee we owe,
Oh Warm our hearts with Thy pure love
    Strong as Thy glorious sun,
Then daily, with Thy spirit filled
    According to Thy word,
New power shall flow through us to all
    And draw men near our Lord!