The original congregation of Lael was founded in 1866; the initial services were held outside, under the trees. The following year, the demand for a church building became so great, that two local citizens, A.G. Willis and Chambers Sisson, erected the first church building in only 12 days. Having no church building of their own at the time, the Stevensburg Church also met there for two years, until they obtained their own church building.
 | On the fourth Sunday in May of 1874, a meeting was held at the church, and the church was officially named "Fork Church." In August of the same year, the name "Lael," meaning "belonging to God," was chosen. By 1889 the church had grown so large that a new building was needed. In 1890, the building we now occupy was erected at a cost of $1800. The old building was sold to a nearby Methodist church, and the proceeds were used to purchase the first pump organ, which is still housed within the building. The original wooden building is still within the walls of the Methodist church, although it has been built over in more modern years. The current church basement, Sunday School rooms, and the fellowship kitchen and hall, were built under the existing building in 1957, at a cost of $900.00. |
Since the organization of the Lael Church, there have been 17 regular ministers, 5 interim pastors, and one regular lay speaker. The church has always striven to keep the doors open to those in need.
Today, Lael stands as one of the most beautiful churches in historic Virginia, boasting pristine white siding, a lofty steeple, a large, columned front porch, and a beautiful stained glass window behind the deep wooden pulpit. As the brilliant rays of the morning sun illuminate the large white columns and beckoning steeple, the lush grass and moss of the grounds are comfortably shaded by majestic oak trees that have stood for hundreds of years as silent witnesses to the settlement, growth and countless assemblages of Christian fellowship held beneath their boughs. And some say . . . if you listen very closely, and hold very still . . . you can hear the old building whisper stories of over a century of people-- from Civil War veterans to current day families-- and of the peace and comfort which they have found within that quiet sanctuary in the pristine countryside. |  |
 | This antique light fixture is a beautiful piece in the sanctuary of the church. In the early days of the church, these lamps held oil burning lamps. The multi-mirrored faces would have helped to reflect the light and help to cast it throughout the entire sanctuary. In the early days of the church, this fixture would have provided much more light to a large building than a few scattered lanterns. Also notice the beautifully handcrafted wooden ceiling, built during a time period in which intricate craftsmanship was both an art form and a mark of pride for the craftsman. We may never know who created this beautiful artwork, but its enduring beauty continues to be enjoyed by Lael members, over 100 years after its intricate detailing was placed on the ceiling of this historic building. |
