Church celebrates 175 years
SMITHSBURG ? The cornerstone for St. Paul UMC was laid on Saturday, Sept. 3, 1831, at 10 o?clock. This Sept. 3, the congregation came together to celebrate and honor the church?s 175th anniversary. The original deed for the property, dated July 27, 1831, was on display.
During celebratory events, milestones in the life of the church were remembered: rebuilding after a violent storm in 1867; major remodeling in 1929 and 1956; groundbreaking for the educational building and fellowship hall in 1965; celebrating its 140th anniversary in 1971 by placing bronze markers on the tombstones of former ministers buried in the Smithsburg cemetery.
'We believe that God has brought us to minister within our community and throughout the world the power and peace of Jesus Christ,' said the Rev. Mark Mooney, who has pastored the church since 1999.
District Superintendent, the Rev. John Rudisill, preached at the service, which was followed by a celebration luncheon.
The anniversary celebration will continue each Sunday throughout September with guest speakers and a ladies tea.
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