The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-04-27
THE DECENTRALIZATION
Letter from the Junior Pastor on the
Removal of the Church.
GATHER, MD, April %, 1889.

OAlIhFhi thDsi n pm -o' 1SS"'
EDITORS OF ADVOCATE: In reading the
April 18th edition of your admirable paper,
| was very much surprised to notice, in the
news from Sykesville, some statements con
corning the removing and rebuilding of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at that place,
which 10 sly the least of them are misleading
aud may tend to create a false impression on
the minds of the uniformed. What motive
your correspondent could have had for vol
unteering to write up the matter as he did |
cannot imagine, but if you will allow me, l
will in few lines give the bare facts in the
case so that no one need be misintormed.
For some time past it has been the feeling
of the membership and congregation OF our
Church at Sykesvile that in order to success
fully accomplish its work in the community
(which is largely non church going change
of location would be necessary. Not only is
the present church across the railroad and
river, and some considerable distance from
the homes of the people, but the hill on which
it is located is very steep and in the winter
season when covered with sleet and ice, al
most inaccessible. The approach is partieu-
lary dangerous to those who come in vehicles,
several accidents having already occurred
which might easily have resulted seriously.
The Church was placed in its present posi-
ton at time when no other lot in the village
was available, the unoccupied land being
then nearly all held by one estate, from which
it could not be secured for love mol money,
but for years its site has been the occasion of
much unfavorable comment and even ridieule,
everyone admitting its selection to have been
a great mistake. The proposed grading to
which reference has been made will be done
In the interest CO the residents of Howard
county who travel the road on which the
Church is situated, and instead of benefting
the Church will be an additional injury TO it,
as it will level the road and thus cause a steep
bank Immediately in front of the Church, rem
derlng approach in that direction impossible.
Last August the subject of change of loca-
ton was regularly brought before the Quar-
terly Conference of Patapsco Circuit, to which
the Church belongs, and that body, after care.
fully considering the matter, appointed a
committee, consisting of Messrs. II. o. Dew.
ries, E. NJ. Mellor, John Z. Gather, VIM. H.
Bennett and Chas. c. Cook, with full author.
ity to remove and rebuild according to their
best judgment.
Acting on the authority thus conveyed the
committee have purchased very suitable lot
IN the centre of the village, approved by the
Presiding Elders and all who have any au.
thority in the matter, and pronounced by
others the best available lot for the purpose
in the village; have secured first class sub
scripuons and cash to the amount of three
iourths of the estimated cost, according to the
disciplinary requirement; have had plans and
drawings prepared; have received estimates
for the various parts of the work; will begin
at once the work of removing and rebuilding;
and hope in a few months to have Church
in Sykesville, which, with the earnest efforts
of its faithful members, will be instrumental
in the work of saving many souls and in advan-
cling the cause of Christ in the community
In conclusion | would venture the opinion
that not often is an enterprise of this kind
undertaken with the unanimity, of those con
cerned, and under the favorable auspices,
financial and otherwise, which characterize
this.
Asking your kind and just insertion of this
item Of explanation, in your next issue, | am,
yours cordially, CHAs C. Cook,
Junior Pastor Patapsco Circuit.