Sudley United Methodist Church

History

The History of Sudley United Methodist Church​

Sudley was a plantation, a mineral spring, a resort hotel at the spring, a mill, a ford on Bull Run and a church in the horseshoe curve. The Virginia Conference Historical Society of the Methodist Church gives the beginning date of Sudley Church as prior to 1789. William Waters and Francis Asbury, Methodist circuit riders in the Sudley area recorded services as early as 1775.

In 2004, the Sudley Church congregation was at least 215 years old. In 1822, Landon Carter of Woodland, great grandson of Robert “King” Carter donated three-quarters of an acre of land to build a church. This first church building was erected sometime between 1822 and the early 1840’s. Services were held by circuit riders and lay leaders.

During the Civil War, Sudley Church was used as a military hospital in July 1861 during First Manassas and in August 1862 during Second Manassas. This first church building had to be razed because of structural damage received during these battles.

In 1873, a second church building was built on the foundation of the first church. In 1896, land was donated for a cemetery. Additional land has been purchased and donated to bring the cemetery to its present size. In August 1918, the church was struck by lightning and burned completely.

A third church was built on the same site and is still in use today. This church was dedicated on September 24, 1922. In February 1992, an addition to the building was consecrated.

Sudley Church is famous for their Bazaar. On Saturday, October 22, 2022 we held our 100th Annual Bazaar which featured a Turkey & Oyster Dinner, Fellowship and a Country Store (sale of baked goods and crafts).

The book, History in a Horseshoe Curve, The Story of Sudley Methodist Church and Its Community, was published in 1982. Copies can be purchased by calling the church office.

Sudley has been more than a church to the community. It was the center of the spiritual and community life of the people who were members. Today, there is an active Sunday School & youth program, several ongoing Bible studies, Boy Scouts, Sudley Supper on Wednesday night, and other community groups meeting here.