Church History

Rodes United Methodist Church, situated in Nelson County about 4 miles south of Afton, had its beginning as a result of Miss Amy D. Rodes attending a Camp Meeting in 1820 in Augusta County.  She was converted and when she returned home, she persuaded her father, Charles, to invite the Minister over for a visit.  A Revival was held, a Methodist Society formed, and a log cabin meeting house was built.  In 1850, Charles and his wife gave the land and $500 to build a brick building.  In 1914, that building was torn down because lightning had struck a tree that fell across the church and damaged it beyond repair.  The present brick Sanctuary was then built. Land was purchased in 1961 to build a seven-room parsonage. In 1849 Rodes was part of the Nelson Circuit.  Later Rodes was part of the Batesville Circuit.  In the 1950’s plans for a Sunday school addition were drawn and in 1961 the addition was completed.  In 1960 Rodes became a Station Church.  The last renovation to the Church took place in 1993 when the Narthex was built.