Gormley was named after James Gormley who ran a general store and post office at Stouffville Sideroad and Woodbine Avenue. Gormley came to this area in the 1840s and was a teacher, auctioneer, notary public, postmaster and storekeeper. The community has been dramatically impacted by 19th and 20th-century transportation developments. Nearby, the hamlet of Bethesda was clustered around the four corners of Warden Avenue and Bethesda Sideroad. Bethesda was known for many outdoor religious camp meetings held by the local Mennonite and Methodist populations.