| Recognition for cleaning roadsides HARPERS FERRY, W.VA. Jefferson Countys 300 miles of state roads seem like good dumping ground for many travelers who discard beer bottles, plastic bags and fast food containers. But not for Calvin Manuel who has made it his mission for 12 years to keep his part of the highways litter free. Manuel heads up Chestnut Hill UMCs Adopt-A-Highway program, one of 60 in the state. The Jefferson County Commission awarded Manuel a Certificate of Special Recognition on April 25. Ten church members assist Manuel with the cleanup along a two-mile stretch of Hostler Road. Three times a year they clear not only their adopted section but another half mile of heavily trashed area, said Ruth Manuel. Each time they fill about 40 trash bags with garbage. In between times, Manuel asks walkers to carry a trash bag and pick up whenever theyre out for a stroll. Church pre-dates Methodists in America PASADENA Since it began in 1777, Magothy UMC has been part of many changes. Members recall an impassable dirt road that grew into the congested Mountain Road in Pasadena, and a camp meeting with circuit-riding preachers that grew into a thriving church with a second congregation, the Magothy Church of the Deaf. The congregation and community celebrated the churchs 225th anniversary on April 28 in the outdoor sanctuary, the Chapel in the Woods, reported the Maryland Gazette. Bishop Francis Asbury preached at Magothy in 1777, a church sign reads. In 1859, a new church was constructed across the road from the original building. It burned in 1886 during renovation. The altar was rescued from the fire and is in use today, according to church members. Today, the churchs programs include a thrift shop, several addition support groups, a Boy Scout troop and a program to feed the hungry. Four generations see youngster awarded WESTMINSTER Four generations attended the worship at Zion UMC in Shipley, on April 28, to congratulate Keith Powers, 8, as he received a God and Country Award. He is a member of Den 2 of the Westminster Cub Scout Pack 381. The award was presented by the Rev. Roger Strait. The Cub Scout earned the award after completing a study program that emphasized his relationship with God and the church and completed service projects. Longevity and hard work honored ANNAPOLIS When members of Cecil Memorial UMC celebrated the churchs 38th anniversary recently, they gave special recognition to members who were 85 years and older. On Jan. 26, the church sponsored a benefit concert by the pastor, the Rev. Mary W. Conaway, a professional singer who hadnt performed a concert in 10 years. The proceeds from the concert were given to a young adults scholar fund in honor of Billy Block Coates, a member of the church. A state-of-the art Anne Arundel County public works and road operations building has been named for Coates who died suddenly in January. Widely recognized in the county, Billys legacy will hopefully instill in others the strong work ethic that he held so very close to him, a memorial pamphlet says. Church celebrates 200 years of ministry WILLIAMSPORT Williamsport UMC was a worshiping congregation before Otho Holland Williams founded the town, said Joan Knode, the churchs public relations director. On April 28 the congregation and townspeople celebrated its 200-year history and the newly remodeled education building. Bishop Francis Asbury preached at the church in 1813. The Rev. Richard A. Kroll, dressed as a circuit rider, told of the time when the church was part of a circuit that included Boonsboro, Smithsburg, Clear Spring and Chambersburg, Pa., Knode said. Lula Brandt Harsh, a member who had lived in Lock House 44 on the C&O Canal with her locktender father, recalled attending services with canal boat captains and their families as they docked at Cushwa Basin. The church has sponsored a Boy Scout troop for 85 years, the oldest continually operating Scout troop in Maryland, Knode said. | 
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