Laurel in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mount Pleasant Methodist Church
The origin of this church can be traced to the organization of a local society of Methodists in 1778. The first meetings of the group, then known as the Broad Creek Society, were held in the homes of its members. On October 19, 1779, Methodist pioneer Francis Asbury formally initiated the subscription of funds to build a house of worship. Construction was completed in 1781. This was one of the first Methodist churches on the Delmarva Peninsula. Originally known as Moore’s Chapel. The land on which the building stood was conveyed to church trustees by William Moore on September 26, 1795.
Despite the skepticism of some, the church continued to grow and prosper. One of the first camp meetings in the country was conducted here in 1805. Over the years, many successful meetings and revivals were held, often drawing hundreds from distant locations to worship in the shade of the stately oaks that stood here. The church was repaired and remodeled in 1824, and again in 1842. The deterioration of the old building and growth of the congregation resulted in an effort to build a new church. The present structure was completed in 1863, and formally renamed Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church.
Erected 2001 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-150.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1879.
Location. 38° 31.323′ N, 75° 37.994′ W. Marker is in Laurel, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is on Mount Pleasant Road (County Road 493) near Sharptown Road (State Route 24), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Laurel DE 19956, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Portsville United Methodist Church (approx. 2.8 miles away); Bethel Shipyard (approx. 3.4 miles away); Shipcarpenters and Seamen Memorial (approx. 3.4 miles away); Town of Bethel (approx. 3.4 miles away); Sailor's Bethel Methodist Church (approx. 3.4 miles away); Bethel Community House (approx. 3.6 miles away); 807 West Street (approx. 3.7 miles away); Paul Laurence Dunbar School (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Laurel.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 1, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.