Salisbury in Wicomico County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center

Photographed By Nate Davidson, April 21, 2011

1. Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center Marker

Inscription. Built in 1838, the Chipman Center is the oldest standing African-American church on Delmarva. It occupies the site of a former open meadow where slaves gathered for worship services conducted by Methodist circuit riders. In 1837 five local freedmen began holding services in a small red-pine slab building on the property of William Williams. Funds were raised to purchase the property and build a meeting house. The property was purchased in 1838. A plain and long one-story structure was built for religious services and a day school. The church was identified as the African Methodist Church and informally known as the "Hill Church" or "Church on the Hill."

The building was later expanded, incorporated in 1876, and named the John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church. It was later combined with another church and formed the present Wesley Temple United Methodist Church. The property was abandoned as a church and purchased by educators Charles and Jeanette Chipman. They later deeded the property to the Newtown Association.

Erected by Funding provided by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Delmarva Low Impact Tourism Experiences, Inc., Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council, and the Rural Development Center, University of Maryland

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Eastern Shore.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 38° 22.083′ N, 75° 35.75′ W. Marker is in Salisbury, Maryland, in Wicomico County. Marker is at the intersection of Broad Street and Ellen Street on Broad Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salisbury MD 21801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wicomico Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Poplar Hill Mansion (approx. ¼ mile away); Newtown Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away); F. Leonard Wailes Law Office (approx. 0.3 miles away); The General Humphreys Cannon (approx. 0.3 miles away); Wye Oak Seedling (approx. 0.3 miles away); Historic Byrd Tavern (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Newtown Historic District (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salisbury.

Close-up of Pictures on Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Nate Davidson, April 21, 2011

2. Close-up of Pictures on Marker

Cultural Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Nate Davidson, April 21, 2011

3. Cultural Center

Cultural Center (Front) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Nate Davidson, April 21, 2011

4. Cultural Center (Front)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 724 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 21, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.