Methodism in this community reaches back to the late 18th century, when pioneers such as Francis Asbury traveled through the area spreading their faith. Over time, some members became dissatisfied with the organization and government of the Methodist Episcopal Church, leading to the founding of the Methodist Protestant Church in 1830. Soon afterward, local Methodists affiliated with the new church began meeting at or near members' homes, and in 1838 the congregation was formally organized as Bethel Methodist Protestant Church, the first of this denomination in Kent County. A church was built at this location for the congregation, rebuilt in 1871, extensively remodeled in 1904, and rededicated in 1905.