Clarksburg United Methodist Church

When the old log Ebenezer Church (1788-1853) went into decline, it was decided to build a brick church. The second of three buildings that have served the Clarksburg Methodist congregation stood from 1853 to 1909. The church was constructed of red bricks and was two stories high with many windows. There was a balcony where African Americans were seated. The bricks for this church were manufactured on a local farm. Info from 200 Years - The Seed of Faith Still Growing by Beverley P. Hanvey.

The slavery question resulted in the Methodist Church separating into two individual denominations. The Clarksburg Methodist Episcopal Church South was organized in 1865 and six years later this southern-sympathizing congregation built their own church. Until 1939, there were two Methodist churches serving the Clarksburg area. In 1940, the two churches were united into one Methodist Church. When the church united, the ME Church South building was used as a social hall for the congregation and worship took place at the 1909 church. The steps to the ME Church South are still visible on Rt 335 near where it intersects with Spire Street.

Third and present church built in 1909. Wilkinson Day donated all of the white oak for the church framing. As the most important building of the town, the new gothic style church with Queen Anne flourishes symbolized Clarksburg's intention to become a contemporary community. The corner stone from the old brick church can still be seen in the foundation of this building. Info from Clarksburg United Methodist Church: A History by Alan Hawk.

"The photo of the church was taken by my father, Ora H. King. I can just make out the minister's name on the announcement board. It is Rev. Jack Ammon who was at Clarksburg when I was born, so the photo is circa 1951. Aluminum siding was added in 1963 to the outside of the church. Protective covers were put over the stained glass windows in 1979." - Gloria Winter King

The place where this church sits is the longest continuous site of worship in Montgomery County, MD.

All photos, unless otherwise noted, from The History of Clarksburg, King's Valley, Purdum, Browningsville and Lewisdale Maryland by Dona L. Cuttler