Bethel United Methodist Church

Beginning near the middle of the nineteenth century, Bethel Camp Meeting provided an opportunity for families to gather for fellowship and worship. Much work went into planning provisions for the ten-day event. Water was provided by the nearby spring which still provides water today for baptisms. Three or four worship events would take place every day with a variety of guest preachers leading services. Subsequent generations have continued to hold services every August. For many years the site of camp meeting, near the little community of Arleston, was Bethel Methodist Church’s home. The church building was moved to Elysian Fields in 1945. Throughout its history, Bethel has been led by devoted men and women, and it has been an important presence in the community of Elysian Fields. The youth of the church continue to be nurtured in the faith by members of the congregation. Services were held under Brush Arbors until 1880 when the first tabernacle was constructed. It burned in 1919 but was rebuilt in time for the August revival. In 1982, vandals destroyed and burned the 63-year-old tabernacle. That same year, a metal-roofed structure was erected. A cross constructed from burned remnants of the tabernacle hangs above the pulpit as a reminder of the old and sacred traditions established at the Bethel Campground. Bethel’s long heritage of commitment and service is a testimony to those early settlers and their descendants who continue to pass on the faith and the legacy of the campground.