|
"Some things never change....some things remain the same..." This old adage is true about Cedars United Methodist Church. The caring spirit that existed in 1908 when the small community of The Cedars felt the need for a place of worship,
purchased land for $150.00 and, for $2,500.00, built a 24' by 36' non-denominational
church which still exists today.....but there have been many changes, too.
The Cedars Community Church operated for several years, using guest ministers and lay speakers. About 1911, the congregation voted to become part of the Wilmington District of the Peninsula Conference of the United Methodist Church. From 1911 until 1930, Cedars United Methodist Church was assigned to a charge with Marshallton United Methodist Church, and from 1930 until 1960, Cedars was placed with the Hockessin United Methodist Church. In 1960, Cedars United Methodist Church became a single charge with its own pastor.
In 1960, the Church purchased the property diagonally across the intersection of Maple and Harrison Avenues, with plans to use the house there as a parsonage for a full-time pastor. After renting a home for several years, the Rev. John Randolph and his
wife, Mawbra Jane, became the parsonage's first occupants. They served Cedars United Methodist Church for three years, after which Rev. Randolph returned to school to work on an advanced degree. Cedars United Methodist Church was again placed on the Marshallton charge. The parsonage property was sold to the Cintron family, and Lidia Cintron resided there until 1999 when she passed on. The church then purchased the house from her children. Many members of the church worked very hard in restoring the house and making it beautiful again. The house is rented and the church is now in the process of doing whatever is necessary to put a parking lot on the property.
Through the years, Cedars members worked diligently to care for the property and make improvements. In 1947, an electric organ was purchased and, in 1958, the pipe organ that is in the sanctuary today was purchased from Red Clay Presbyterian Church. Some additional pipes and stops have been added to the organ to create the beautiful music that our congregation now enjoys. In 1953, the altar was remodeled and, in 1954, Cedars United Methodist Church stepped out on faith and added the addition that now houses the Sunday School rooms
and the Fellowship Hall. The sanctuary was enlarged and new pews were installed. In less than two years, the mortgage for the addition was paid in full!
In 1988, the United Methodist Women renovated the kitchen in the Fellowship Hall. During the winter of 1993/94, a lightening storm damaged the heating and air conditioning systems, and extensive repairs were made. Also during 1993, roof repairs and exterior painting were completed. The sanctuary's carpeting and pew cushions that we currently enjoy were installed during this period, as well, through the generosity of one of our fellow members.
Since 1994, many other projects have been successfully completed. A new drop-ceiling was installed in the Fellowship Hall and new shingles were put on the sanctuary and educational wing roofs. A public address system was installed in the sanctuary
to improve the sound quality. Trustees have replaced the Sunday School classroom windows, and have installed a handicapped-accessible ramp to the church. There are also plans to build two new classrooms in the attic area.
Over the past 90 years, Cedars United Methodist Church has touched thousands of lives, growing from a small group of neighbors to the present membership of over 150 people. It is known as a friendly, caring fellowship that opens its doors to all who would enter to worship, to pray, to praise and to serve the Lord.
|
