Gloucester’s historic Bethel Baptist Church will celebrate its 156th anniversary on Friday, July 14 and Sunday, July 16 at the church, which is located at 2978 Hickory Fork Road.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Rooted in Faith, Celebrating Our Legacy, and Moving Toward the Kingdom.”

The weekend events begin at noon on Friday, July 14, in the fellowship hall with a reunion of Bethel School students. Students will pack a bag or bucket lunch, come to Bethel Church and share their school experiences at old Bethel for inclusion in the Woodville School archives.

Both Woodville and Bethel were Rosenwald Schools (partially funded by the Julius Rosenwald Fund). Woodville is the only remaining Rosenwald structure of seven in Gloucester and is being restored/renovated.

On Sunday, July 16, Virginia’s Lt. Governor, the Honorable Winsome Earle-Sears, will be the featured speaker at the noon worship service in the sanctuary. The program will also include memorial tributes to the...