20. A Short Narrative of Mt. Pleasant UMC History
The history of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist church is woven into the rich tapestry of traditions and experience of the greater Rising Sun area. Although Methodists were active in our area long before that, the date of the first deed for our church is dated July 10, 1840. That deed reads, "This indenture, made the 10th day of July in the year 1840 between James Ewing and Jane Ewing of West Nottingham, Cecil County, Maryland, of the one part and William Edmundsen, Thomas M. Brown, John McElwee, John Logan and Robert Morrison, Trustees… ." The original church was a simple building, parts of which are still incorporated into the current structure.
In 1908, a vestibule was built in front of the church for comfort during the bleak wintry weather by men of the church who donated their time; cost of the project was $600. In the vestibule’s cornerstone is a tin box made by Stevenson and Reynolds containing documents of church interest, few documents from the era and some money.
Between 1950 and 1953, an addition of an all-purpose hall, a kitchen and a full basement was made. In 1958, the passage connecting the two existing buildings was extended providing and inside stairway to the basement, storage space and a pastor’s office.
On November 21, 1976, the groundbreaking ceremony for the remodeling of the sanctuary was held. By May 1978, renovations were completed, the mortgage was paid off and ceremonially burned. On May 2, 1978 a consecration service was held and the remodeled sanctuary was consecrated. This service was attended by Bishop Wertz and District Superintendent William Hemphill.
On April 5, 1987, the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Sunday school wing was held. The first classes were held there on Sunday, February 14, 1988. The cost was approximately $175,000 and was financed by interest free loans of members and friends of Mt. Pleasant. The debt was paid in 3 years.
In our 170+ year history, countless men and women have glorified God, made disciples and served God by serving the world around their community. Our rich tradition of serving God inspires our future efforts to discern what the Holy Spirit is doing in the world around us as we joyfully offer ourselves to God’s service. Over the years, the community of Mt. Pleasant has extended efforts to work in cooperation with other churches in the area (i.e. Hopewell UMC, Janes UMC, West Nottingham Presbyterian).
As a local community we strive to make God the Lord not only of our past, but of our present, and future. In the busy world that we live in, our church is purposeful in creating opportunities for families and friends to share sacred time and to strengthen their ties to God, to each other and to their neighbors.
