The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-08-08
STONE CHAPEL.
Rehabilitation of one of the Oldest Meth
Odist Churches-Sketch of the
Church. dc.

OIist Churches-Sketch of the
Church, dc.
Strawbridge Stone Chapel, so called as
testimonial to the Rev. Robert Strawbrldge,
the founder of Methodism in America, was
erected on the site of small log chapel, known
as 'sPouison's,'' which was occupied for d.
vine service comparatively only short time
after the log structure, erected on Sam
Creek. by Mr.. Strawbridge, on property now
owned by Charles Devilbiss. The original
Strawbridge church, the first OF its KIND IN
America, was erected in 1894.
Stone Chapel was built in 1888, about four
miles north of the former church. Many OF
the Methodists from this and neighboring
states annually visit the spot, held dear as the
cradle of their faith i'll this country, :,
The members and many friends OF ola
Stone Chapel who assembled at the dedlca,
tory services last Sunday, while they admired
the new. pretty church with its fine architec-
ture and comfortable seats, could not but
think of the former ediice which they so
loved and honored or perhaps OF the old log
structure which first hallowed the spot, and IN
which their great grand fathers worshlpped
with perhaps more fervor and zeal and pride
than themselves.
Previous to 1888, from 1878, five ministers
preached successfully on the charge, their
meetings being held at private residences;
The ground upon which the original Chapel
was built was needed in 1877 to nine trus-
tees, seven from what was then known as
Frederick county and two from Baltimore
county: VIM. Durbin, George Havener, Jno
England, John Norris, Daniel Stephenson,
James Poulson, Richard Stephenson, John
Evans and Joshua Porter. The deed was
dated March 81, 1887, and recorded IN the
land records of Frederick county, VIM.
Richie, clerk The land. known as ak
Comnanv Defence" was owned by Andrew
Poulson. and was conveyed to the nine trus-
tees for the sum of five shillings, with the
stimulation that services were to be held only
by Methodist ministers, who should preach
no other doctrine than is contained IN Mi;
Wesley's notes of the New Testament and
four volumns of sermons, that there should
always be nine trustees, ana maue proF's-
ion for their selection.
On the 9th of October, 1901, the funeral
services of John Lee, a former pastor OF OF the
church, were held in Stone Chapel. Ihree
ministers oficiated-Jere Lee, Richard What
coat and Francis Asbury. Each selected
different text and preached a long discourse.
10Th chapter. Both verse of Daniel; Goth
Psalm, 18th verse; End PHILIPPIANS, End chap
ter and 22nd verse. This service was per-
haps the longest ever held in Stone Chapel.
For n number of years past the members had been
considering the question of repairing the old struc
turc or reb1ilding The church was most too small
was exceedingly uncomfortable, especially curing
cold weather and was hardly in a safe condition.
The old galleries seemed to totter under the weight
of the crowds that assembled on special occasions
MANY wanted the building to remain untouched
nntl century old and in this particular they were
gratiied but when the fral old house was ut englh
torn down and they were brought 70 rea7e Us tiTe
condtion-tS cracked and crumblng walls us III
supported galleries. and thinking OF the immense
throngs who frequently crowded every ayallaole
space-they could not help but feel that DIVINE pro
lection must have saved them from accident The
last sermon in the old church was preached August
81 1854 by Rev. D. NJ. Browning, the present pastor
On Senfember 4th the workmen commenced TO tear
down the church. The corner stone OF the new
edifce was laid October 4th by the pastor ana WI
ford p Shriner All of the old stone were relaid IN
the new building. The tablet in the apex, whlch
for century ornamented the old building, adorns
the new church on this stone are hrst three stars
then the initials - d." below there is an eagle,
with the initials B b.. to its left and beneath the
inscription ~
Rebt 1900"
The initials represent two of its most prominent
and faithful members, who were exceedingly active
i'm their efforts for its erection They were Jesse
Durbin and Benjamin Bennett.
The new church stands nearly on the same spot
as the old 1t is Gothic in style, "a by % feet ABOUT
20 feet high, and built of neatly dressed stone
has large windows, with stained glass, ana IS
handsome and attractive building. The decorations
are plain though neat and pretty and reflect credI-
tably upon the good taste OF the LADIES VINO Iur-
nished the church with comfortable seats; a cosby
altar and beautiful chandelier, whtch alone Cost
The dedicatory services were conducted by Rev.
DR. Lanahan, Presiding Elder of the district Rev.
w H. Chapman, of Washington, and the ministers
in charge DIR. Lanahan preached IN the morning
to a crowded house, using as foundation Tor ms
remarks ST. Luke 18th chapter 4th, 9TH, 9th and Ih
verses The sermon was great effort by great
man. Astounding in numerous illustrative incidents
and characterized by his usual rhetorical and ora
After the sermon the usual solicitation of aid to
make up deficiencies was made by Rev. w lillian H.
Chapman who succeeded in raising the entire
amount needed 500. The committee can congrat-
ulate themselves upon their selection OF Mr.: Chap
man. He is certainly very clever man at the bus
The church cost about $1,000, which, together
with the old material used, the great amount OF
labor given by friends free OF charge ana the iur
niturc supplied by the ladies. will foot up ABOUT
In the afternoon the Rev. William II. Chapman
preached a fine discourse from Micah 6:S He dis
cussed the three virtues Justice Virtue and Humilc
ity He said do justly was to regard the rights OF
others equally sacred with your own IN an your
intercourse and dealings with mankind. He dwelt
upon this at length as it relates to business ana
character He then discussed the principles OF
virtue and humility illustrating his points win IN
terestng and touching incidents.
The choir rendered choice music at Dotn services.
Among their selections Father, Bend 10
Thee :" bass solo by Granville Bankert, with emo
rus: God be Mercful," recitative tenor solo by
Prof. Chas. C. Kraft and quartette dedication an
them. soprano solo and duet by Misses Ameha Z.
| Lord tenor and bass duet by Prof Kraft and u,
| W Pennington; solo and duet by Miss Engel and
Mr.. Kraft and chorus; trio, Hear and Pray, So
prano baritone and bass by Miss Engel and MessrS.
| Bankert and Kraft. The Weaver chapel organ used
was kindly furnished by Main & Kraft of Westmin-
| ster.
were present at these services. The church Will
seat comfortably about $780, and Is large enough Tor
any ordinary occasion. The Sunday school con
sists of so teachers and officers and about ITO
! scholars Among the oldest members of the church
are Misses Ann and Mary Gist, Mordeeai Gist Noah
Pennington and wife and Mrs Mary Barnes.
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