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CHAPTER 6
The Churches LIST OF BRUNSWICK CHURCHES (Arranged by date formed) 1850 1890 1892 1892 1893 1893 1904 1906 1906 1909 1917 1926 1930 1932
United Methodist, 25 South Maryland Avenue St. Francis Roman Catholic, 113 First Avenue Grace Episcopal, 114 "A" Street Bethany Lutheran, First Avenue and "A" Street New York Hill Methodist, 9th and Park Avenues Presbyterian, "A" Street and 4th Avenue Mt. Olivet Baptist, 32-34 West "J" Street First Baptist, "A" Street and North Maple A venue Reformed, 122 West Potomac Street Ebenezer Methodist, 708 North Maple Avenue Beth Israel Congregation, "A" Street Church of God, 503 Brunswick Street Faith Assembly of God, Souder Road at Route 17 Christian & Missionary Alliance, 3525 Petersville Road 1933 Gospel Temple Apostolic Faith, 46 West "J" Street 1975 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, West "B" Street
UNITED METHODIST In June 1850, Lydia Ann Poole conveyed to the trustees of Methodist Episcopal Church Lot Number 30, on the west side of Middle Street, now Maryland A venue. The site, costing $200, contained a partially-completed log house which was finished in 1851. The "Berlin Church" organized that year was the first local church that became the center of religious life for the community of some 300 people. Since the Berlin Charge was part of the Buckeystown Circuit, the first pastor, Rev. Joseph Spangler, who served for seven years, travelled by horse and buggy and at times by canal boat to conduct services.
The first Sunday School was organized in 1852. History records the names of B. F. Sigafoose and Mrs. Mary Virginia Hogan for this project.For over twenty years the small log cabin served as the community's only worship center. The sanctuary was on the main floor and a balcony provided space for the slaves who brought their folks to worship. During the Civil War, the log structure saw use as a hospital for wounded soldiers. With a growing congregation and a need to find higher ground above flood level, the site of the present sanctuary was purchased from Mary and Adam Ridenbaugh for $60 in 1870. A frame structure built for the congregation of 150 people served the community until 1893. Adam Ridenbaugh, Thomas Watts, Henry Lapole, James McGaha and · William Sigafoose were trustees during this period. These facilities were made available to several denominations interested in becoming established. In 1891, the Lutheran group, in 1892, the Presbyterian Church and the Reformed Church, met here to organize and hold early services. In 1893, a Southern Methodist group was formed to serve the "East End" and New York Hill worshipers. With the growing population, extensive improvements were necessary in 1893. The congregation moved to the Opera House while the sanctuary was remodeled and a modern belfry was built. The Brunswick Herald of December 1, 1893 recorded, "It is now a roomy and neat building and in keeping with modern architecture." The present brick structure was erected in 1907underRev. W. D. Parry, while the congregation worshiped in a tent on "A" Street opposite the parsonage. In 1938 the adjoining property north of the church was purchased for an educational unit. Construction began in 1941 as the congregation worshiped at the Imperial Theatre. The sanctuary was remodeled, featuring stained glass windows. The educational unit included modern classrooms, Fellowship Hall, Junior Chapel, and office. From 1959 on, an A.A. Chapter was organized, the kin-
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