Grace United Methodist Church has a rich history and in 2016 we are celebrating 125 years of ministry in Georgetown

A Brief History of Grace Methodist Church

by Dan Tabler 

Most of the following information was compiled by Rev. Fitzhugh for the 1976 Grace UMC Directory. Thanks to Maria Hammond for sharing that directory.

Grace Methodist Protestant church first met on May 21, 1881 following a big revival held in a tabernacle (tent) at the corner of Race and Edwards Streets. Grace was to be part of the Georgetown Charge that included Hebron and Providence. Both were small churches with about a dozen members each. A survey revealed there was some dissention among members of the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church and it was hoped that some of the unhappy members would “break away” which did happen. “The congregation that was to become Grace United Methodist Church began with the conversion of some souls and the stealing of some sheep.” (The difference between Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Protestant and various other “flavors” of Methodist will be explored later.)

As the weather cooled, the growing congregation moved from the tabernacle to a store front at the corner of Cedar Street and Railroad Avenue. The store was owned by Mr. George Calhoun and known as Calhoun General Store. The building was remodeled a few years ago by the Historic Georgetown Association and is once again a store.

On November 8, 1891, a site on the northwest corner of West Market and King Street (diagonally across from the current location) was purchased and a frame building was erected. The cost of the lot and building was $2500. The first service was held on April 10, 1892. The property was dedicated “debt free” in July of 1899. In 1905, the congregation decided to purchase a large lot across the street (current location). The frame building was moved across the street.The next year an adjoining lot was purchased for a parsonage. Both lots were purchased for $900 each. The parsonage was originally located close to the church.

While the congregation was at worship on November 9, 1909, a large fire broke out that completely destroyed the frame building. A new red brick church was built and first used in May 1910 and for the next 17 years. On the night of February 20, 1927, lightening struck the church igniting a fire that completely destroyed the second building. Ironically, the frame church and the first brick church each served for just 17 years. Construction began in January 1928 on the third building (the current structure). This building was patterned after its predecessor but also included a Sunday School room and a basement. The current building was completed in June 1928 at a cost of $31,000.

In 1939, with the merger of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Methodist Church South and the Methodist Protestant Church, we became Grace Methodist Church. When the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren merged in 1968, we assumed our current name Grace United Methodist Church.

A new custom pipe organ was installed in 1946 and after 30 years of service was extensively remodeled in 1978-79. The original cost was $15,568 with the renovation costing $16,694. In 1958-59 the Sanctuary was extensively remodeled at a cost of $58,468.

A lot adjoining the church lot was purchased in 1906 for $900. The parsonage was remodeled in 1948 at a cost of $12,284. and the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse Stone Fireplace was installed. The parsonage was originally located close to the church. It was moved to the current location in 1974-75. The cost of the relocation-remodeling-renovation was $68,000.

An educational building was constructed in 1953 at a cost of $60,000. The building was named in honor of Dr. Thomas C. Mulligan who served as Grace’s pastor from 1951-1961. The ground floor level includes a large meeting room with an elevated stage, a meeting room named in honor of Joyce Marvel, the church office and the pastor’s study. The second floor includes rooms previously used for Sunday school and now rented to a number of Christian and charitable organizations including our own Little Grace. A new gable roof was installed over the original flat roof.

In 1961, approximately 20 acres of land behind and to the east of the church were purchased at a cost of $50,000. A little over 10 acres were sold in 1980 for the apartment complex. Proceeds from the sale paid off all debts and created an investment fund of $135,000 for future capital projects. Additional acreage was later sold for the new Georgetown Post Office. The remaining property is used by the church, for a small public park and the Georgetown Little League baseball fields and parking area.

Grace United Methodist Church has had a rich history over 125 years and looks forward to serving the Georgetown community for many more years to come. A major celebration is being planned to celebrate the church’s 125^th birthday on Sunday, April 17, 2016.

Original frame building located diagonally across East Market Street from the current church.