Just north of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Bedington United Methodist Church gathers each Sunday at its sanctuary on Bedington Road. The congregation belongs to a Methodist presence in the community that stretches back to 1790, and the building it occupies has been a local landmark since 1908.
Three Buildings on the Same Ground
Methodism arrived in Bedington in 1790. Early worshipers built the first church of stone in the early 1800s, just northwest of the Sulphur Spring and close to the Bedington school. That building, remembered as "The Old Stone" church, served the community until 1869, when it was torn down and replaced by the "Southern Methodist Church." In 1908 the present church building was constructed and dedicated, and the property has been home to the congregation ever since.
By the late 1970s the building needed more room. After extended planning and prayer, the groundbreaking for the expansion took place on October 29, 1978. Less than a year later, on September 30, 1979, the first service was held in the new sanctuary, and the renovated church has continued to welcome worshipers since.
Traditional Worship, Livestreamed
Sunday mornings follow a steady rhythm. Traditional Sunday Morning Worship begins at 9:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. The service is livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube, and sermon video archives are kept online for those who wish to revisit a message.
After the service, Sunday School classes run until 11:00 a.m. Four classes meet on a rotating schedule: the Wesley-Sunshine Ladies Class, which examines everyday life issues; the Footprints Class, led by rotating teachers and open to all ages; Faith-Builders, a Bible-based group; and Anchors of Faith, an adult Bible study.
Sunday Nights for Youth
Bedington's youth group meets Sunday evenings from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The ministry operates under a written policy and procedures guide, and the church makes those expectations available for parents and volunteers.
A Year of Small Groups and Outreach
Beyond Sunday mornings, the church runs ministries for nearly every season. A Food Pantry serves neighbors in need, with details available by calling the church office at extension 4. The Missions Team coordinates service projects, while A Few Good Men, the men's fellowship, gathers for breakfast meetings at Sissy's Restaurant in Martinsburg on select Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.
Bedington Christian Women supports missions, honors graduates, hosts a Men's Appreciation dinner, holds an annual auction, and quilts together from January through March. Apples of Gold, a women's mentoring program, is offered each spring, and a Women's Bible Study meets when in session. Vacation Bible School is held each summer.
The church also opens its doors to recovery work. AA and Al-Anon meetings called "Hope for Today" gather on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. A Healing Prayer Ministry offers trained prayer ministers for anyone seeking prayer support.
A Building Shared with the Community
The church building hosts more than the congregation's own programs. A Facility Rental program welcomes outside groups, with availability checked against the church calendar. Reservations are handled through an online request form and payment link.
Pastor and Staff
Pastor W. Scott Summers and his wife Tracy came to Bedington in 2016. He has been pastoring churches since 1998 and is active in the WV Emmaus community. He teaches regularly that spiritual disciplines - prayer, Bible reading, fasting, solitude, simplicity, and fellowship - are anchors for every season of life.
The church office is open Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Offerings and tithes can be given online through PayPal, and the church keeps an active calendar and weekly newsletter for anyone wanting to stay connected.