The History of Our Church

Our church was founded on October 18, 1827 in the nearby town of Warren under the care of the West Hanover Presbytery. Our initial membership numbered six. Our first minister was the Rev. Samuel Hurd, a graduate of Union Theological Seminary in Richmond.

In 1830, through the influence of Peyton Harrison, a lawyer and large landowner in Albemarle County, the church moved from Warren to Scottsville, a port on the James River. Membership grew to 16.

Harrison provided the land for a new church building, which was built in 1832. Our two-story, brick building is a notable example of the Federal ‘temple” style of church construction, which was common in Virginia in the early 19th century. It was the first church building within the corporate limits of the city of Scottsville.

Through most of the 19th and 20th centuries, our church fluctuated in membership. A long succession of ministers served the church, often for periods averaging three to five years.

In 1871 the Rev. Thomas D. Bell moved to Scottsville and pastored both the Scottsville and Howardsville churches. Bell remained pastor for 18 years until his death in 1889. During his pastorate, our church’s membership rose to 100, the highest in our history. The Sunday school numbered 71 pupils and eight teachers.

In 1950 Sunday school rooms were added in the balcony. In 1952 membership numbered 42, The Sunday school, however, numbered 64 students. The church also had an active youth organization with meals, Bible study, and recreation.

Current membership of our church numbers 35. Our membership includes a broad cross-section of Scottsville’s population, including a number of business and civic leaders.

..