The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1907-09-13
THE GIFT OF DAVID E. STEM.
House In America Stood u A Shrine
For Methodists.

The tract of land known as Cover farm, not
far from New Windsor, upon which stood the
first Methodist meeting house IN America, has
come into the possession OF David Il. Stem, OF
Sans Greek, who has announced his inten-
ton of deciding it to the American Methodist
Historical Society.
Rev. }. +. Heisse, the presiding elder OF
the West Baltimore district, received letter
from Rev. l.. K. Bennett, the pastor OF the
circuit, last Wednesday, and DR.. Heisse went
at once on a visit TO the place to learn more
of the transaction.
Dr. Heisse was the guest of MIR. Stem,
whose home occupies soil hallOwed by Meth
odists and which has been visited by many
leading Methodist preachers. He remained
over night, sleeping in the Prophets room,
which Tor the last 40 years has been the resting
place of the pilgrims to that shrine OF Metho
dism Not far from Mr.. STEMS home is
Warfield House, where Bishop Asbury often
stopped, and near by in grove, is the "Old
Bethel" DR.. John f. Goucher is the presi'
dent of the Historical Society. DR.. Heisse
learned that there would be no distractions
in the way of delivering the deed to the so.
ciety.
The receipt of the property coming now,
when the General Conference will meet in Bal.
timore next spring, will have the effect of cen
tering in Md. the interest of Methodlsts OF The
world. The question of celebrating the turn
ing over of the property will probably be given
serious thought, but it is not likely that any
ceremony will be held until next spring, when
the bishops will assemble here from all parts
of the world at the General Conference.
There are other historical places for the
thousands of visitors who will be here during
the conference. In Baltimore and Howard
counties there are many, and i'll Baltimore
the leading historical specimen is old Eutaw
Street Church, which will be 100 years old in
the spring.
In writing of this gift the editor of the Bal
timore Methodist says: Imagine the JOY
coming to the Editor when on "Wednesday
morning of last week letter from the alert
pastor of that circuit, Rev. l.. E. Bennett,
stated that Mr.. Stem would deed the site of
the old building and as much ground as de-
sired to the American Methodist Historical
Society, of which DIR. John f. Goucher is the
President. Without the knowledge of such
good fortune we had arranged to spend Friday
night of last week in the home OF Brother
Stem. During the visit we discussed freely
with him and his wife the proposed property
transfer. Both are enthusiastic in thus pre-.
serving forever to Methodism this historic site.
Many have visited the spot. A delightful
pilgrimage in 1894 was made from Baltimore
by two hundred interested folks. Ten years
later another pilgrimage was made from the
same city, aud two hundred and forty three
pilgrims visited this place among other shrines
of Methodism in Carroll county. Thousands
will rejoice that the unstnted liberality OF that
princeIy layman, David e. Stem, and his
equally generous wife, will make possible for
the coming generations of Aethodism visits to
that hallowed spot forever preserved to the
church. The thanks of universal Methodism
will be freely given to the donors"
1.-The above editorial leads to word about
this famous Methodist home situated at Sans
Greek, Md. What story of continued inter
est those walls might tell did speech belong to
them. Having partaken of many meals be
meath that hospilabe root, we had never passed
night there until last week. Of course we
slept in the Prophets Room. What men Of
Methodism throughout the last forty years
have found rest there One may sit by the
hour and listen to the host and hostess speak
ing the pleasant word about the scores of
Methodist preachers who have lodged in the
Prophet Room. What kindly reception
What incessant attention What appetizing
meals One goes from this place of hospital
ity with the keen sense that holy touch has
come again upon his life. Not far distant is
the well known Warfield House which shelter.
ed time and again the weary Asbury on his
episcopal tour. Nearby, i'll delightful grove,
stands "Old Bethel" During many years
David E. Stem has been the honored steward
of this appointment, and as class leader holds
the confidence of the entire community"