Seaford in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
St. John's United Methodist Church
Photographed By Mike Stroud, October 16, 2012
1. St. John's United Methodist Church Marker
Inscription.
St. John's United Methodist Church. . In the late 18th century, Francis Asbury and other pioneers of American Methodism traveled throughout this area bringing the message of their faith to the people. A local Methodist Society was organized at that time, first meeting in the homes of its members. In 1804 they purchased land on Chapel Branch and built a house of worship. The growth of Seaford and expanding size of the congregation resulted in the purchase of a lot on Front Street in 1818, and the construction of a new church known as “Bochim’s Meeting House.” This structure was used until 1860, when it was moved and replaced by a larger building. In 1870 it was formally renamed St. John’s Methodist Episcopal Church. The present site was purchased in 1889, and in 1898 the congregation completed a new church here. A major expansion and remodeling project was undertaken in 1933-34. In 1968 the congregation approved the building of a new sanctuary. The old church was removed and the present building was built and occupied in 1972. The sanctuary was formally dedicated in 1989.
In the late 18th century, Francis Asbury and
other pioneers of American Methodism traveled
throughout this area bringing the message of
their faith to the people. A local Methodist
Society was organized at that time, first
meeting in the homes of its members. In 1804
they purchased land on Chapel Branch and built
a house of worship. The growth of Seaford and
expanding size of the congregation resulted in
the purchase of a lot on Front Street in 1818,
and the construction of a new church known as
“Bochim’s Meeting House.” This structure was used
until 1860, when it was moved and replaced by a
larger building. In 1870 it was formally
renamed St. John’s Methodist Episcopal Church.
The present site was purchased in 1889, and
in 1898 the congregation completed a new church
here. A major expansion and remodeling project
was undertaken in 1933-34. In 1968 the
congregation approved the building of a new
sanctuary. The old church was removed and the
present building was built and occupied in 1972.
The sanctuary was formally dedicated in 1989.
Erected 2003 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-177.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
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In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.
Location. 38° 38.597′ N, 75° 36.808′ W. Marker is in Seaford, Delaware, in Sussex County. Marker is on Pine Street near Poplar Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Seaford DE 19973, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. St. John's United Methodist Church and Marker (far right) along Pine Street and Poplar Street
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 471 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 21, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
