The History of Westhampton
United Methodist Church

In 1924, the need for a Methodist Church in the Westhampton Community was recognized and resulted in the Virginia Annual Conference appointing Rev. J. Melvin Trower to the Westhampton Methodist Church. On November 9, 1924, the Westhampton Methodist Church was officially organized in the Tuckahoe Masonic Lodge on Maple Avenue. There were twenty-three charter members of the church.

On May 2, 1926, a Church Conference authorized the purchase of five lots on the northwest corner of Patterson Avenue and Algoma Street for construction of a sanctuary. The congregation, 111 strong, moved into the new sanctuary in September 1939. The first full-time pastor, Rev. Clarence England, was appointed to Westhampton during the 1944 Annual Conference.

On May 30, 1946, a congregational meeting was held to discuss plans for building the present sanctuary. A building fund was established in September 1946. Ground was broken for the new building on February 11, 1950 and opening services were led on January 28, 1951 by the Rev. James W. Turner.

In 1953, a campaign fund for a new educational building was established in 1953. The first portion of the new building was opened on October 14, 1957. In December 1964, a second campaign fund was begun for an expansion of the educational building. Ground was broken on April 3, 1966 for the addition to the educational building and was completed in March of 1967.

The beauty of the sanctuary was enhanced in 1967 by the installation of stained glass windows and wood paneling in the chancel area. In June of 1974, nine new stained glass windows were installed to further enhance the beauty of the sanctuary.

In the 1980's and 1990's, enhancements to the music program occurred. An Allen 7300 Digital Organ was installed in the Sanctuary in mid-1980's. In the early 1990's, Handbell's were given to the Church and the Handbell Choir was established. In the late 1990's, a Yamaha Grand Piano was purchased and placed in the sanctuary.

Today, led by Senior Pastor Rosemary Welch, Westhampton United Methodist Church continues to serve the surrounding community as a place for all people to come together for worship, fellowship and service.