Bethel Presbyterian Church is located on Knox Road in McLeansville* (Guilford County), NC. It was established in 1812, in the time of the Napoleonic Wars and around the time Greensboro was being established. Bethel Presbyterian has lived through much of our county’s early history. The above photo only reveals a tiny portion of this church which, over the years, has been expanded and expanded. Also on the sprawling acreage is a cemetery filled with some of the early names of the area: Forbis, Dick, McLean, Clapp, Rankin, Wharton. The earliest grave dates to 1821 (more names and dates here); however, many stones can no longer be read. The property includes a session house, built in 1875 and behind the session house is an open air amphitheater. Typical of southern churches, a majestic oak marks a corner of the property.

At the time we published this photo, we could not find a church history or website online. It is our hope to learn more about Bethel Presbyterian. The church contrasts sharply with the ornateness of downtown Greensboro’s First Presbyterian; however, it is equally beautiful in its simplicity and equally important to its members. We can only imagine the warm glow during the evening darkness of the Advent season. 

*This small community east of Greensboro was in the spotlight a few years ago as rock star Chris Daughtry is from McLeansville.