MONROE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA — Tucked into the rolling hills of Monroe County lies a hidden piece of American religious history. Rehoboth Church, a modest log structure erected in 1785, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving church building in the state of West Virginia.
Built by Pioneers on the Edge of the Frontier
Constructed during a time when the rugged Appalachian frontier was just beginning to be settled by European pioneers, Rehoboth Church was born from the grit and faith of early Methodist settlers. Built using the materials available in the wilderness, its log cabin design reflects the resourcefulness of those who sought to worship and build community in a harsh and unforgiving landscape.
A Visit from Bishop Asbury: A Defining Moment
In 1786, one year after its construction, Rehoboth Church gained prominence when it was dedicated by Bishop Francis Asbury. Asbury, the first bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America, was a key figure in the spread of Methodism across the young nation. He would return to Rehoboth three more times during the next decade to host important Methodist Annual Conferences, establishing the church as a hub for spiritual growth and leadership in the region.
A Beacon for Early Methodists
As Methodism took root in what would later become West Virginia, Rehoboth served as a crucial gathering place. Its location and role in hosting major church events helped solidify it as a center of faith and organization in the Appalachian region, well before the western territories became formally integrated into the United States.
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A Unique Piece of American Religious Heritage
Rehoboth Church is not only the oldest existing church building in West Virginia—it is also one of the last standing frontier churches built before the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1789. It is believed to be the westernmost surviving church of its era in this part of the country.
The United Methodist Church has officially recognized the site as both a National Methodist Shrine and a United Methodist Heritage Landmark, underscoring its national significance within the denomination’s history.
Clarifying the Record: Building vs. Congregation
While Rehoboth boasts the oldest existing church structure in the Mountain State, other congregations in West Virginia have older roots:
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Morgan Chapel (Christ Episcopal Church) in Berkeley County was founded in 1741, making it the oldest Episcopal congregation in the state.
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Simpson Creek Baptist Church, established in 1770 in Harrison County, is among the earliest Baptist congregations in the region.
However, the original church buildings for these congregations no longer stand, which is what makes Rehoboth truly exceptional—the physical structure itself has endured for nearly 240 years.
Preserving a Symbol of West Virginia’s Spiritual Foundations
Today, Rehoboth Church remains a powerful reminder of the early settlers’ devotion, resilience, and commitment to faith. It stands not only as a place of worship but also as a historical landmark, connecting modern West Virginians to the pioneering spirit that helped shape the state’s religious heritage.