Who is Burnt Church?
Our History
"The Church on the Hill"
A log building used a s a schoolhouse was already standing on the property when the first house of worship was constructed in 1842. The building was dedicated by The Rev. William Hill, then Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Winchester. It served as a neighborhood church for many years, being used jointly by Episcopailians, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians. The old building had a gallery in it at one time, adding to its seating capacity.
During the War Between the States the church was at one time used as a stable by Northern troops for their horses. In 1862 or 1863 it was burned by these troops and thus acquired the name by which it has since been called: Burnt Church.
Early in its history the church had the intermittent services of ministers from surrounding Presbyterian Churches, as well as those of other denominations. In 1880 it became a preaching point for the ministers which served the Round Hill, Opequon, and Cedar Creek Presbyterian Churches.
As the denominations established their own churches, or withdrew to city work, the Presbyterians in the Union School at Burnt Church began to have to assume more responsibility for the work there. Some of the layment who early accepted this challenge were: Mr. William Henry God and Mr. Clark Purcell.
Seeing the need for an organized Presbyterian Church in this part of Frederick County, the Rev. T. H. Daffin, minister of the Round Hill Church, led the people attending Burnt Church toward such an important step. It was November 7, 1922, when a commission from Winchester Presbytery organized Burnt Presbyterian Church. The Commission was composed of the Reverends L. F. Harper, H. H. Clark, J. Hope Smith, and Elder Philip Gold. Fifty members of the Round Hill congregation residing in the Burnt Church neighborhood formed the new church.
Burnt Church has been involved in our community by sponsoring both Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops, softwball teams, donations to CCAP, Bright Futures, the Highland Food Pantry and through our Scholarship Program. We have given 0 Scholarships since 1962. Our foremost goal is to be God's light on the hill, shining out through our members and bringing light to the community!r service you'd like to show.