History of Upperville United Methodist Church

1 Corinthians 3:10

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder

I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. 

Let each one take care how he builds upon it.”

The Upperville United Methodist Church is located on Delaplane Grade Road, just off U.S. Route 50 in Upperville, VA.  It is a single-room building with 15-foot-high windows on both sides.  The building is a solid brick structure.  It was built in 1832 with the cornerstone near the top of the building reads “Methodist E. Church.  Dedicated November 3, 1833.

The land was given to the church in 1832 by Mr. and Mrs. George Calvert. During the “War Between the States” Federal troops used the upper section of the building for a hospital and the lower section as a stable.   The balcony was destroyed during the war to use the wood for firewood.  The balcony was later partially rebuilt.

In 1904, the U.S. Congress authorized payment to the Church for damages done by the troops during the War.  Previously, one of 12 churches on a large circuit, Upperville UMC is now on the Loudoun charge with Unison UMC.

Today, the original structure remains.   Its complex architecture is a marvel and yet the church’s one room (sanctuary) is simplistic and elegant.  The sanctuary provides a perfect acoustical sound.  It embraces music of all kinds amplifying the sound in a perfect, pure form.  Musicians enjoy performing at the UMC to hear their voice and musical instruments.

Weekly church services have been conducted since 1904 with the exception of the COVID interruption in 2020.  Worship services are weekly at 9:30 am.  At least once a year, the church hosts a concert or hymn sing that are very well attended.

Matthew 7:24-27

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man

who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew

and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it has been founded on the rock. 

And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man

who built his house on the sand.   And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew

and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Upperville UMC  has never had water including plumbing.  Through the decades, the congregation has improvised. With increased events and activities and the COVID threat, Upperville UMC members believe it is time to work to construct a facility for bathrooms and a small kitchenette. The new facility would be about 700 sf.

Upperville Church is built on rock/shale.  Because of that, the new addition cannot have the traditional septic system.  It will require an alternative system called “pump and haul”.  In order to install a “pump and haul” system the Church will require a waiver from the Fauquier County Board as these kinds of systems are no longer legal in the Commonwealth without a special waiver.

After hiring counsel, it appears that the Fauquier County Board does not support a new facility and a “pump and haul” septic system.  Therefore, the church needs to find support from the good citizens of Fauquier County to support the endeavor of adding a small structure next to the historical structure that would have a restroom and a kitchenette.

Upperville Building Scheme B