Proclamation in Honor of the 240th Anniversary of the Wheatley Methodist Church Building
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation in honor of the 240th anniversary of the historic Wheatley Methodist Church building in Rhodesdale, Maryland, the completion of its five-year preservation project between 2019 and 2024 and the church being established as an independent legal entity known as Wheatley Methodist Church, effective November 1, 2023.
Whereas, Wheatley Methodist Church (WMC) was erected in 1784 on land King George II granted to a William Wheatley, during the eighteenth century. It was built with intent to be a ``preaching house served by clergy of those people called Methodist or a friendly clergy of the Church of England'' and
Whereas, this heavy old growth timber frame structure secured with wrought nails has existed since one year following the victorious American Revolution in October 1783 and five years prior to George Washington becoming the first elected American president; and
Whereas, most Early American rural church buildings were either demolished or abandoned and left no decay. The Wheatley Methodist Church building has existed for 240 years continuously serving its original intent; and
Whereas, in 2019 existing colonial era horizontal wood plank interior wall covering was discovered underneath presenting Victorian era pressed tin. Further search revealed serious construction issues causing the building be condemned. Members' faith directed a decision to preserve the historic structure; and
Whereas, the five-year preservation project (2019-2024) quickly became the pride of surrounding communities. Financing for the $110,000+ project materialized from donations of monies, time, materials, multiple fund raisers, and two matching grants awarded by: the Bartus Trew Providence Preservation Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation ($15,000) and the Choptank Electric Trust, Inc. ($2,400); and
Whereas, the Wheatley Methodist Church is believed to be the oldest American Methodist church with a continuously active congregation worshiping in its original building erected to be a Methodist church and the historic structure continues serving its original intent well into the 21st century. It is a tangible link to its Early American heritage of religious family life in an agricultural community.
Now, therefore, I, Andy Harris, Member of Congress, do hereby proclaim and celebrate Wheatley Methodist Church on its historic building's 240th anniversary, the completion of its five-year preservation project and the church being established as an independent legal entity known as Wheatley Methodist Church, effective November 1, 2023.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source