Near Laurel in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Portsville United Methodist Church
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 15, 2012
1. Portsville United Methodist Church Marker
Inscription.
Portsville United Methodist Church. . The roots of local Methodism can be traced to the late 18th century, when Bishop Francis Asbury and others visited this area to spread the message of their faith. By the 1820s there was a growing movement within the Methodist Episcopal Church to enact reforms that would result in greater lay participation in church affairs. Many chose to leave and join the Methodist Protestant Church, which was founded in 1830. A local society of Methodist Protestants was organized at that time, first meeting in the homes of its members. On April 30, 1832, James W. Phillips conveyed land to the “Trustees of the Portsville Academy and Chapel” to serve as the site for a house of worship and school. A frame building was erected soon thereafter. It was located approximately one-half mile west of here, and was one of the first Methodist Protestant churches on the Delmarva Peninsula. Some years later, the desire for a new building arose, and the present church was constructed on land that was purchased from Isaac G. and Emeline Phillips in February 1869. For a time it was known as Mount Lebanon. The church was incorporated in 1911. It is now affiliated with the United Methodist denomination.
The roots of local Methodism can be traced to the
late 18th century, when Bishop Francis Asbury and
others visited this area to spread the message of
their faith. By the 1820s there was a growing
movement within the Methodist Episcopal Church to
enact reforms that would result in greater lay
participation in church affairs. Many chose to
leave and join the Methodist Protestant Church,
which was founded in 1830. A local society of
Methodist Protestants was organized at that time,
first meeting in the homes of its members. On
April 30, 1832, James W. Phillips conveyed land
to the “Trustees of the Portsville Academy and Chapel”
to serve as the site for a house of worship and school.
A frame building was erected soon thereafter.
It was located approximately one-half mile west of
here, and was one of the first Methodist Protestant
churches on the Delmarva Peninsula. Some years later,
the desire for a new building arose, and the present
church was constructed on land that was purchased
from Isaac G. and Emeline Phillips in February 1869.
For a time it was known as Mount Lebanon. The church was
incorporated in 1911. It is now affiliated with the
United Methodist denomination.
Erected 2003 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-166.)
Topics and series.
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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1869.
Location. 38° 33.699′ N, 75° 37.694′ W. Marker is near Laurel, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is on Dogwood Lane, on the right when traveling south. Located between Shell Bridge Road (County Road 493) and Portsville Road (County Road 492). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31050 Dogwood Ln, Laurel DE 19956, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Portsville United Methodist Church ,Marker, and adjacent cemetery
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 15, 2012
3. Portsville United Methodist Church and Marker along Dogwood Lane
Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 397 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on October 24, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
