Near Harbeson in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Indian Mission United Methodist Church
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 13, 2010
1. Indian Mission United Methodist Church Marker
In 1881 the Nanticoke Indian people constructed
this church to provide a place to join for religious
devotions. Known as “Johnson’s Chapel,” the church
was affiliated with the Methodist Protestant
denomination. On March 27, 1884, the land upon
which the church had been built was conveyed by
Jesse E. and Elizabeth Joseph to Trustees Samuel
B. Norwood, Whittington Johnson, David P. Street,
James H. Clark, Elisha Wright, William A. Johnson,
and John W. Harmon.The church was formally incorporated on May 23, 1915. In 1921 a new building was constructed and named Indian Mission M.P. Church. The Nanticoke people continue to hold their religious services here, and the church continues to provide cohesiveness for the Nanticoke to retain their Native heritage and culture.
The oldest marked grave is that of Ann Johnson, who died October 7, 1885. Indian Mission United Methodist Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 26, 1979.
Erected 2002 by The Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-122.)
Topics and series. This historical
this page online
Location. 38° 40.386′ N, 75° 14.056′ W. Marker is near Harbeson, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is on Harbeson Road (Delaware Route 5) near Hollymount Road (County Road 48), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 22701 Indian Mission Rd, Harbeson DE 19951, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Saint George's Chapel (approx. 1.2 miles away); St. Georges Chapel (approx. 1.2 miles away); Conley's Chapel (approx. 2.7 miles away); Zoar Methodist Church (approx. 3.9 miles away); Rabbit's Ferry School 201-C (approx. 3.9 miles away); St. John's Methodist Church (approx. 4 miles away); Patton Medium Tank (approx. 4.3 miles away); Chair of Honor (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harbeson.
Regarding Indian Mission United Methodist Church. National Register of Historic Places:
Indian Mission Church ** (added 1979 - Building - #79003307)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 13, 2010
2. Indian Mission United Methodist Church and Marker
Historic Significance: Event
Area of Significance: Native American •
Cultural Affiliation: Nanticoke Tribe •
Period of Significance: 1900-1924 •
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 13, 2010
3. Indian Mission United Methodist Church
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 13, 2010
4. Indian Mission United Methodist Church and Marker, looking north along Harbeson Road (DE 5)
near the intersection with County Road 48 (Hollymount Road).
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 13, 2010
5. Headstone for Ann Johnson, as mentioned on marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 996 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 5, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
