"Upon coming here as pastor in 1948, I looked for a record of the Warwick Charge, and found none written, whatsoever. Now, in Feb. 1950, I found a Homecoming Program of April, 1942, in which Rev. David W. Baker, published the following historical sketch.

History of the Mt. Olivet Church

"Our little village was laid out and founded by James Paul Heath of Warwick, England even a hundred years, before religious services were held here other than in the Roman Catholic Church, St. Francis Zavier. In 1854 the Rev. J.H. Ellegood, who was serving the Old Salem Methodist Protestant Church in Delaware, three or four miles North-west of Clayton, Delaware, came over and helped us. (The Old Salem Church, which was a part of this charge until 1926, has since been torn down, and the lumber sold. cd.) For several years "meetings" as they were called, were held in an old log cabin, until the present building was erected in 1859, with a rather unique origin.

"A party of fox hunters, consisting of prominent farmers in the neighborhood, on returning from the hunt, which was the favourite sport and pastime of the day, had gathered in "the old tavern," long since torn down. Hearing that the village was to have a public schoolhouse erected, and realizing that a town could not and would not be much without a place of worship, decided then and there, that religion as well as education should be properly honored. They immediately contributed and collected at that gathering a generous sum of money for that purpose, which developed into what was commonly know as the Mt. Olivet Methodist Protestant Church, now the Mt. Olivet Methodist Church of Warwick.

"Dr. Daniel F. Ewell was the pastor during its erection, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. T.D. Valliant, from Isaiah 28:16; which fact is annotated in the Bible of one of the charter members, and which is still in the possession of a descendant.

"This circuit was once considered as one of the most desirable country appointments in the Conference, and in the course of its existence, has been served by many noted and prominent ministers, two of whom Drs. Melvin and Strayer, in later years became presidents, and one of whom, Dr. Daniel W. Bates entered the presidency of the Maryland Methodist Protestant Conference, directly from this appointment. Dr. B.F. Benson, at his second pastorate here, came directly from the Vice Presidency of Western Maryland College. Three times have we been represented by lay delegates to the General Conference.

"Formerly it was a very large circuit, having five different churches in two states and three counties: Galena, sold in 1881; Chesapeake City, sold in 1871; Salem, closed in 1926; Sassafras and Warwick, which necessitated having assistant pastors.

"With the union of the three branches of Methodism in 1939, we became known as the Mt. Olivet Methodist Church of Warwick and became a member of the Peninsula Annual Conference, placed in the Wilmington District. We thank God that the barriers of differences and misunderstandings are fallen from the churches today.

"At present we of Warwick are trying to uphold the torch of Christianity in a worldly community. May we continue, not merely to exist, but to live, to prosper numerically, financially, and spiritually, for which purpose the salvation of souls for the Kingdom of God, from which they originated.

Besides the history of the Mt. Olivet Church, Rev. Smith also recorded the history of the Rehoboth Methodist Church of Sassafras, Maryland.

"In 1859 the inhabitants of Sassafras were a prosperous people. The town itself was a trading centre, being located at the head of the Sassafras river. There were mills, trading posts, hotels and taverns, rich farms, which were owned by those who tilled them, and numerous other activities and occupations that made the people proud of their town. In the midst of all this prosperity, however, there was poverty, for the town had no church in which to worship God, who had made all these others things possible. Accordingly a group of Christian men, mostly farmers, met with the expressed intention of forming a house of worship. This was accomplished in 1859. The present building was erected at that time.

"The later history of the church is almost parallel to that of her sister church in Warwick. Both churches are members of the same charge, and have had the same pastors since their founding. For a while there existed a red brick church, which was known as the Methodist Episcopal Church. When the doors of this church were closed the membership joined what was then known as the Rehoboth Methodist Protestant Church, but now as the Rehoboth Methodist Church.

"It is interesting to note that while the things of this world pass away, there is always a service that the church can perform. It is this service that has kept the Sassafras Church alive. The membership is small, but through the efforts of the loyal members, the church serves the community and receives the support of the community in return.

"I, personally think there is one error in the above sketch: The Methodist Episcopal Church, the old red brick church before 1859, previous to which time it was stated that there was no church in Sassafras.

"The brick Church was deeded to the trustees by William and Elizabeth Frisby in 1813. With this exception the historical sketches seem to be fairly accurate."

Tilghman Smith

first day of parking lot use 08-23-2003

A half acre of land, next door to the church on the east side, was purchased in 2002 and made into a parking lot in 2003. This lot was empty when purchased, but years before had a home on it.  The parking lot has enhanced the ministry at Mt. Olivet in Warwick. Members enjoy greater safety and the access to the sanctuary and community hall is much improved. The following is a time-line for the parking lot project.

Wednesday, May 8, 2002 Mt. Olivet Administrative Board meets with Pastor Jameson
to approve project to raise money for a parking lot.

Sunday, May 12, 2002 Church starts to pray.

Monday, May 20, 2002 Mt. Olivet Trustees meet with pastor to approve project.

Thursday, May 30, 2002 Sent out letter by bulk mail asking our people to give generously.

Wednesday, June 5, 2002 A major donor talks with us about a possible large donation.

Sunday, July 21, 2002 Financial Goal Reached! One half small donations / one half large donation.

Thursday, Nov 21, 2002 Settlement with Merritt family for $9,867.00. We own the land!
Seller: Anna K. Merritt, trustee & Ruth Anne Kelly, trustee PO Box 888, Elkton, MD 21921
Representing Mt. Olivet Church:  Tommy & Eleanor Walmsley, Louisa Zeh, Sally Aiken,
Pastor Lawrence Jameson, Elsie LaPorte, Betty Davis, & Martha Lurty.

Friday, Aug 22, 2003 Patrick Pleasanton installed 30 ft of pipe for driveway, and put down crush & run donated by Maryland Materials. PARKING LOT IS FINISHED!

Saturday, Sept 20, 2003 Church gathers in parking lot to praise God at the Ribbon Cutting.