Churches: Sketch of Chesapeake City M. E. Churches from The Cecil Whig, Elkton, 
1888: Cecil Co., MD

Transcribed and contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Cyndie Enfinger 
< cyndiee@tampabay.rr.com >


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The Cecil Whig, Elkton, Saturday, December 8, 1888.

Sketches of Cecil County M. E. Churches.

Historical Sketch of Chesapeake City

By the Rev. E. H. Nelson.

  Chesapeake Circuit, the territory of which was included in Cecil Circuit, is 
now composed of Chesapeake City and the Manor.
  The chapel near Cayott's Corner, dedicated November 21st, 1886, is the third 
house of worship which has been build by the Methodists.  In 1740 Geo. 
Whitefield visited Bohemia Manor and on the 24th of November preached at the 
house of Mrs. Bayard to an audience of 2000 persons.  Success attended his 
labors, and the prominent families brought into the church were the Bayards, 
Bouchelles, Sluyters, Herseys and Bassetts. At present there is a room in the 
house occupied by a Mr. Conner, in which Mr. Whitefield slept, prayed and 
studied, known as "Whitefield's room."
  In 1771 Capt. Hood brought Francis Asbury and Richard Wright to this country.  
Mr. Wright spent most of his first winter in Maryland on Bohemia Manor, and was 
the only Methodist minister in this part of the country at that time.  He at 
once began to cultivate the field for the Master and Methodism.  Mr. Solomon 
Hersey was the first convert and head preaching in his house for many years.
  Bishop Asbury visited Mr. Wright the first week in April, 1772, and on the 
following Sabbath preached three times in Solomon Hersey's house.  He also 
visited this section in October of the same year, preaching often, and again in 
December and after preaching spoke to each one concerning the state of their 
soul.
  In 1782, ten years after organization, the society built a log chapel called 
Bethesda, about three-quarters of a mile west of the present building.  In this 
unpretentions temple Bishop Asbury, Benj. Abbot, Freeborn Garretson, Capt. Webb 
and others dispensed the word of life and rejoiced with the new born souls in 
the wonderful displays of redeeming grace.
  In 1834 the log chapel was superseded by a new building, erected at the place 
where the third building now stands.  The sills, corner posts and sleepers were 
taken from the log chapel, and these in turn served in the erection of the 
present house, the material thus used being 106 years old.
  Owing to changes in appointments and small attendance the Manor was without 
preaching for several years.  At the Fourth Quarterly Conference of Chesapeake 
City held January 2d, 1886, the Board of Trustees of Bethesda, or Manor, was 
renewed and steps taken toward the building of a new church.  The dedication of 
the third building was on November 21st, 1886, Rev. J. P. Otis preaching the 
dedicatory sermon from 1st Samuel, 7, 12; Rev. T. A. H. O'Brien preacher in 
charge and Rev. Chas. Hill presiding elder.
  Chesapeake City as a village dates back to 1829 the time of the construction 
of the Chesapeake & Delaware canal.  An attempt two pass boats through in 
September of that proved unsuccessful, as there seemed to be more whiskey than 
water.  Brother Samuel Thompson, now an honored member of Bethel Church, built 
the first house in Chesapeake City.  The first church, erected about this time, 
was built by the Methodist Protestants on the lot now owned by the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and donated to the latter by Richard H. Bayard.  The M. P. 
church was changed into a school house and afterwards moved down the street.  
Last year it was converted into a dwelling and is owned by brother Jos. H. 
Brooks.
  The first Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated in the spring of 1848 by 
Rev. Anthony Atwood.  The first trustees were Joseph Bryan, Daniel Karsner, 
father of Dr. Karsner, John Burbage, Wm. P. Copper, John Peach, William Crow and 
John Adams.  The building of the church was largely due to the efforts of Joseph 
Bryan.  His estimable wife was abundant in the work of the church, aided as they 
were by many who have gone from labor to reward and who know the joys of the 
church triumphant.
  In 1857 ten feet more added made the dimensions as at present, 32x60.
  After the division of Cecil Circuit, Chesapeake City was included in Bethel 
Circuit, the appointments being Bethel, Chesapeake City and Manor.  At the the 
formation of the Wilmington Conference the circuit was on Wilmington District 
with John D. Curtis, presiding elder, and John W. Pierson, preacher in charge.  
At the first session the circuit was placed on Easton District, John B. Quigg, 
presiding elder, and W. W. Redman, preacher in charge.  At the second session 
Chesapeake City was made a station, with James Esgate as pastor, who remained 
one year, afterwards taking a supernumerary relation.  He was followed by J. E. 
Kidney who remained two years.
  In 1873 Chesapeake City was changed from Easton to Wilmington District where 
it has since remained.  Bethesda or Manor was added and Geo. R. Bristor 
appointed to the charge.  At the end of his first year Manor and Port Hermon 
were united as a charge and left to be supplied.  Beginning with his last year 
and continuing till near the close of the pastorate of T. A. H. O'Brien, 
Chesapeake City was a station.  With the rebuilding of the Manor Church already 
referred to it was added to Chesapeake City when it has since remained.  Since 
the administration of Mr. Bristor the following pastors have served the charge:  
E. B. Newman, 1875 to 1876; John D. Kemp, 1877, 1878 to 1879; J. W. Hammersley, 
1880; F. J. Cochran, 1881 to 1882.
  In 1883 Chesapeake City was left to be supplied.  Henry Calclazer who was 
stationed at Bethel supplied the pulpit occasionally.  During the year services 
of Wm. E. Tomkinson were secured.  He was followed by T. A. H. O'Brien who 
remained three years, 1884, 1885 to 1886; E. H. Nelson, 1887 to 1888.
  An effort is being made to build a brick church in Chesapeake City to take the 
place of the old frame structure and it is hoped that enough funds bay be 
secured by Spring to commence work.