USA:MD:Hagerstown:Washington Square United Methodist Church:Church History
Washington Square United Methodist Church538 Washington Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland | |
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The Fruit of an Apple Orchard1885 — During the summer under the leadership of J. S. McCartney, secretary and J. H. Beachley, treasurer of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church (now John Wesley United Methodist Church), a group of people began to meet for religious services in the Strong Orchard. It was the first church to be formed in the western part of the town. 1886 — A small chapel was built on the spot where the Washington Square parsonage now stands. 1887 — The first service was conducted in this chapel by Rev. James Hensey. 1888 — Land was purchased and a frame church was built. The church was served by Rev. Robert Weech (junior preacher at St. Paul's) and it had the status of a mission of St. Paul's. 1889 — On May 12th the church building was dedicated by Dr. George Reed of Dickinson College. 1924 — Under the pastorate of Rev. V. A. Lonier the present brown brick building was built. Under the pastorate of Rev. George Bennett the Sunday school was graded and departmentalized, the finances systematized and indebtedness reduced. "Joash Day" which has meant much to the spirit and finances of the church was inaugurated by Rev. L. G. Davis. 1951 — Governor Theodore Mc Keldin was guest speaker at Washington Square. 1954 — Plans were underway to build a new educational building and to remodel the Sanctuary. 1962 — The Official Board approved Sunday morning radio time. 1965 — 774 members were on the church roll. 1966 — Bishop John Wesley Lord spoke at Washington Square. 1968 — The Methodist Episcopal Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged to form the United Methodist Church. 1973 — The Memorial fund was established. 1976 — July 4th. Washington Square celebrated the 200th birthday of the U.S. Members dressed in colonial dress and Rev. and Mrs. Louis Emerick arrived by horse and carriage. 1978 — Prayer chains were established. Washington Square began a Sunday School Ministry to the residents of Potomac Center. 1984 — Methodist Men were reorganized. 1985 — A year long celebration to celebrate Washington Square's 100 years was chaired by Dennis Thurston. 2006 — (July 1) St. Matthew's and Washington Square combined to form "The West Hagerstown Parish." While the churches remain separate congregations, we share a pastor and office staff to more effectively serve our community. Washington Square pastorsUntil 1893, Washington Square was a mission of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church (now John Wesley United Methodist Church), and services were conducted here by the assistant pastors at St. Paul's.
From 1893 onward, Washington Square was recognized as an independent congregation, and was assigned its own pastors.
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Copyright © 2009. Last revised 2009-10-28. All rights reserved. | |