Bethel United Methodist Church - north of Readsville, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 48.675 W 091° 43.096
15S E 611283 N 4296611
"The 76 year old frame Bethel United Methodist Church was destroyed by fire in 1943 and was replaced by the brick structure which was dedicated on June 3, 1945." ~ Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society.
Waymark Code: WMXVTE
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 03/04/2018
Views: 0
County of church: Callaway County
Location of church MO-D, about 100 yards N. of CR-152, ½ mile N. of Readsville (ghost town)
Church built: 1944
Pastor: Mary Maddox
There are two signs at this church, one old, one newer.
Old Sign Text:
BETHEL UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
EVERYONE WELCOME
CHURCH SERVICE 9:AM
New Sign Text:
Bethel United Methodist Church
Worship Sun. 9 A. M.
Fellowship Sun. 10 A. M.
Potluck Supper
2nd Sat. of the month 6 P. M.
Pastor: Mary Maddox
"Bethel Methodist Church is located on the west side of SR D approximately ½ mile north of the Readsville settlement. The large flat lot
contains a brick church and a cemetery. A gravel lot is located at the southwest corner of the property and connects to a drive that
circles the cemetery. Directly behind (west of) the church building is a modern gambrel roof shed & privy.
"This 1½ story church sits on a full raised basement and faces east onto SR D. Constructed in 1944 and dedicated in 1945, the brick
church has a centered entrance with paired doors within a Gothic arch stone surround. The side steeple on the southeast corner of the
building is of equal height to the gabled roof. It is crenellated with buttressed corners. A one story frame addition projects slightly from
the northeast corner and extends across the north elevation of the church. The addition appears to provide access to the raised
basement. Behind the church is a large open cemetery that appears to still be in use for interments. The graves face east and are
situated in long north-south running rows. Graves are marked with limestone and granite markers in a variety of shapes, sizes and
colors." ~ Rural Churches of Callaway County, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, PDF page 187