New Market Methodist Episcopal Church

“New Market M. E. Church is located, on a dirt road, one and three-quarters miles east of Ellendale. This church was formally organized as ‘Wesley M. E. Church” at a meeting held in the home of Wm. Morris, near Elias Lofland’s store, on Sept. 8, 1810, when trustees were elected “for the intended place of worship.” On Aug. 7, 1811, Elias Lofland donated sixty perches of land, on the road to Nathan Reed’s mill as a church site. The church was built and a graveyard was laid out. The oldest tombstone is that of the Elias Baker, one of the original trustees, who died on Jan. 9, 1821.

A new church was completed and was dedicated on Sept. 1, 1850. More land was secured, on May 5, 1858, from John Warren. The present building was erected in 1881. It was repaired and a reopening service was held on Sept. 30, 1883. More land was secured on June 15, 1904, from Wm. Short. Services were discontinued in 1936. The graveyard is enclosed with an iron fence and is well maintained. The Woman’s Society for Christian Service is still active but they meet in the Ellendale Methodist Church.” (1)

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Text Source:

1. Frank R. Zebley, The Churches of Delaware, Wilmington, Delaware, 1947, p. 269.