Old Bethel Church

The old Bethel Church of God was dedicated as a house of worship on Dec. 23, 1838.  Prior to that the members worshipped in a school house known as the “Log Hall” for seven years.  During the first two years the church didn’t have a regular pastor appointed, but they were served by several pioneer preachers:  Mackey, Maxwell, Walborn, McFadden and others. In 1833 Elder David Maxwell became the first regularly appointed pastor of a circuit which included the church at Mount Joy. 

In 1860 The old Bethel Church was enlarged and improved.  The church was used for thirty-six years (1838-1874). But plans had been made to erect a new Church of God on Main Street, so the building was sold to the Reformed Mennonites. They used the building from 1874-1898. 

In 1935 Howard and Mary Landvater renovated the building to become a single home with a grocery store on the street level.  The store operated from 1935-1969 when it was converted to apartments.