Location Darlington, Maryland Architect Unknown | Built 1852 Architectural style classic | |
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Part of Darlington Historic District (#87001571) | ||
Darlington United Methodist Church is located in Darlington, Maryland. It is a pre Civil War structure, built in 1852, with white siding, large windows, and many historically original architecture. It is a church within the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. It is also one of two churches part of the Darlington Methodist Charge, the other being Dublin United Methodist Church in Street, Maryland. Prior to July 2014, the church shared pastors with Rock Run United Methodist Church, located in nearby Level, Maryland. There was a third sister church, Thomas Run Church which closed its doors in 1945.
Contents
History
With the purchase of land, known as “Phillip’s Purchase” from Joseph Worthington, in 1832 a log structure was built on the present site. It was later replaced in 1852 by the current frame structure, with a belfry and vestibule in 1892. A great revival occurred in 1896, with 185 converts in approximately six weeks.
The Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in August 1932 and was joined by Thomas Run Church (also known as Watters Meeting House) and Rock Run Church.
The Church sold land in 1936 for the new Darlington Elementary School, which replaced the old Darlington Academy located across the street from the church. The old academy building is now the home of Stephenson Lodge and Twice Blessed Thrift Store.
In 1956, the Christian Education Building was constructed and dedicated ten years in the presence of Bishop John Wesley Lord. It was dedicated in October 1978 to Mr. Robert Hostetter, who built it.
Our Church was selected to be on the Christmas in Darlington Tour in December 1978, which included six other properties of the village and area. The Church also started the Darlington Apple Festival, which officially began in 1986.
The inside of the Christian Education Building was severely damaged by a fire in December 2001 and was rebuilt in 2003. The new organ was purchased in 2004 and dedicated to Miss Laura Bradford, a long-time Church member and first grade teacher at the Darlington Elementary School.
The Church recently celebrated its 175th Anniversary in November 2007. We are one of 82 properties within the Darlington Historic District, which was listed in 1987 by Christopher Weeks.
Community activities
The Darlington United Methodist Church is very active in the local community. Although Darlington, Maryland is a small and quaint little hamlet, the activities embedded in its life appeal to so many. The biggest attraction of the year is the annual Darlington Apple Festival. Its numbers surge into thousands. It is the biggest fundraiser for the Church. The Church also participates with the local Darlington Lions Club.
Nearby Landmarks
Role of Ministers
The Role of Ministers since 1889:
1889 – 1891 G. R. SANNERS 1891 – 1893 J. W. FLEMING 1893 – 1895 H. M. THURLOW 1895 – 1898 ELMER LODIA DUTTON 1898 – 1900 W. D. PARRY WILLIAM 1900 – 1902 RICHARD N. EDWARDS 1902 – 1905 L. M. FERGUSSON 1907 – 1908 H. M. D. BEALL 1908 – 1911 J. THOMAS HART 1911 – 1915 L. ST CLAIR ALLENS 1915 – 1918 BURT CONSTANCE 1918 – 1921 R. H. K. GILL 1921 – 1923 REV. MULLINEAUX 1923 – 1926 STEVEN FITCH 1926 – 1928 WILLIAM BIGGS ELLIOT 1928 – 1931 LYNN ARBOGAST 1931 – 1934 RAYMOND E. MANLEY 1934 – 1937 HENRY J. MULLER 1937 – 1944 CHARLES H. MEAD 1944 – 1946 DONALD T. McINTOSH 1946 – 1947 VIRGIL T. MAYBRAY 1947 – 1948 HERBERT L. D. DOGGETT 1948 – 1949 CHESTER STEYER 1949 – 1951 GEORGE W. PFERDEORT 1951 – 1954 C. THOMAS SUBOCK 1954 – 1956 GLENN F. CLULOW 1956 – 1959 JOHN W. MACKEY 1959 – 1963 LUTHER W. STARNES 1963 – 1966 EDWARD L. THIGPEN 1966 – 1970 PAUL LEE GRANT 1970 – 1977 JOHN OLAN PRICE 1977 – 1983 WILLIAM B. HILL 1983 – 1988 RAYMOND KINGSBOROUCH 1988 – 1994 DARRYL C. ZOLLER 1994 – 1995 ALICE WESTBROOK 1995 – 1998 KHRISTA FERGUSSON 1998 – 1999 FINLEY GRAY 1999 – 2001 CHRISTOPHER CHARLES 2001 – 2013 GARY SIEGLEIN 2013 – 2014 JAMES W. RIDEOUT IV 2014 – 2016 JAMES KEVIN JOHNSON 2016 – LINDA YARROW