Our History
Springfield United Methodist Church has a rich and inspiring history rooted in faith, vision, and community. In 1952, Springfield, Virginia was a small rural area made up of farmland, forests, and approximately 550 residents. By 1954, the community had grown rapidly to nearly 3,000 people, and local families recognized the need for a Methodist church that could serve the growing population spiritually and socially.
1950’s
In December 1953, thirteen faithful residents gathered at Garfield School with the dream of organizing a Methodist church in Springfield. In January 1954, Rev. George W. Harrison was appointed as the church’s first pastor, and on March 14, 1954, Charter Sunday was celebrated with 137 charter members joining the church — the largest charter service ever conducted in Virginia at that time. For more than a year, the congregation worshiped faithfully in Garfield School while plans were made for a permanent church home.
The early congregation demonstrated creativity, determination, and deep faith. With no altar available in the school, Rev. Harrison and a church member searched throughout the region for suitable furniture and eventually transformed a home bar purchased from Hechinger’s into a beautiful church altar. Rev. Harrison later joked that it may have been the first time a home bar had been converted into a Methodist altar.
Construction of the first church building began on land generously donated by the Vernon M. Lynch family. Groundbreaking took place on February 6, 1955, and because of freezing temperatures, the ceremony was held indoors using soil placed in a flower box. By October 1955, the first church building was consecrated and included a sanctuary, classrooms, and church offices. As Springfield continued to grow, the church expanded rapidly, adding a larger sanctuary, chapel, classrooms, kitchen, and fellowship spaces by 1960. Membership eventually reached nearly 2,800 people in 1969.
Throughout its history, Springfield United Methodist Church has been known for strong worship, Christian education, music ministries, outreach, and fellowship. The church developed vibrant ministries for children, youth, adults, scouts, women, and men. The Christian Weekday Program became one of the church’s most impactful ministries, serving generations of children and families in the Springfield community.
1960’s-1980’s
Music has also remained central to the life of the church. From the dedication of the historic pipe organ in 1960 to the flourishing choirs, handbells, and instrumental ministries of today, music has inspired worship and spiritual growth for decades. Dr. Linda Monson has faithfully served the congregation through music leadership since 1987, and Allan Weberg has served as organist since 1996. The handbell ministry, begun in 1982, continues to enrich worship under the leadership of Mindi Riffers.
2000’s
Over the decades, Springfield United Methodist Church has continually adapted to meet the needs of changing generations and a changing community. Outreach ministries expanded through partnerships with local schools, ECHO, Rising Hope Mission Church, community events, seasonal programs, and support for families throughout the region. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2020, the church remained active through online worship, virtual meetings, and creative ministry efforts that kept the congregation connected during a difficult season.
On Easter Sunday 2021, the church joyfully reopened for in-person worship while continuing to embrace new technology and hybrid ministry opportunities. Since that time, Springfield United Methodist Church has continued moving forward with renewed energy, hope, and purpose.
Today
In 2025, Pastor DeLishia A. Davis was appointed as Lead Pastor of Springfield United Methodist Church. Under her leadership, the church has experienced renewed momentum, consistent attendance growth, and an exciting spirit of revitalization. New ministries and community partnerships have strengthened the church’s mission and expanded its impact throughout the region.
Today, Springfield United Methodist Church offers worship services not only on campus, but also at Greenspring Senior Living, extending care and spiritual encouragement to older adults in the community. Monthly community service projects provide opportunities for members to serve neighbors in meaningful ways, while partnerships with area shelters reflect the church’s ongoing commitment to caring for vulnerable individuals and families. Wednesday Night Live has also become a vibrant midweek ministry, bringing together people of all ages for fellowship, learning, discipleship, and spiritual renewal.
As Springfield United Methodist Church looks toward the future, the congregation remains deeply committed to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with all people. While the methods of ministry may continue to evolve, the mission remains the same: to make disciples, serve the community, and proclaim God’s hope in every generation.
For more than seventy years, countless lives have been touched through the ministries of Springfield United Methodist Church. The church stands today not simply as a building at a busy intersection, but as a living testimony to God’s faithfulness through every season. Guided by faith, strengthened by community, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Springfield United Methodist Church continues to look ahead with hope and expectation, believing wholeheartedly that the best is yet to come.
