First Presbyterian Church of Chesapeake City, Maryland


             Our History                           Bulletin Epistle Updates & News


 

A Brief History of our Beginning

 

 

 

Presbyterian services were first held in Chesapeake City, on or about April  27, 1857 in the Academy.  A regularly constituted Church, consisting of eight members and styled the “First Presbyterian Church of Chesapeake City” was organized by a committee of the Presbytery of Wilmington ( now called New Castle Presbytery) on Sunday, November 1, 1857.  Presbyterian Church occupies a lot of ground given for the purpose, by Robert Polk, Esq.  It was erected and furnished at an expense of about $2,500.00 and was dedicated to the service of God on Sunday, January 8, 1860.  In the late fifties the size of the Christian Education Hall was made larger.  Also restroom facilities and a new kitchen were included in the new addition.

 

 

 

 

 

A Chronological List of Some of the Good Things that have happened in recent years

 

 

 

 

Nov 1958               Homemade Communion Table with special engraving built and donated by Harold Reynolds, Sr.

 

Nov 1958               Homemade Lighted cross to hang in the center of front wall of sanctuary built and donated by Harold Reynolds, Sr

 

 

 

Dec 1960                Homemade Wooden Celtic Cross made and donated by Milton Watson for communion table.

 

 

 

Oct 1966                Altar Vases and Collections plates placed in memory of Elaine Hessey and Donald Biggs

 

 

 

Apr 1976                New carpet for choir loft donated by Dale and Judith Nelson

 

Dec 1976                Bequeath from the Estate of Henrietta B. Cameron in the sum of $5,000.00

 

 

 

Oct 1978                 American Flag donated by Irma Reynolds

 

Oct 1978                 Restoration and installation of the original bell on the church lawn. Special engraving by Robert Remmel

 

Nov 1978                New red carpet for the sanctuary floor, isles and altar levels donated by Earl & Anna Schrader

 

Nov 1978                New Christian Flag donated by the Ladies Aid Society of this church

 

Dec 1978                Four white flower stands and green choir robes donated by the Lum family in memory of Etta C. Lum

 

 

 

Nov 1979               Twenty Gold color folding chairs for the choir donated by McDaniel Real Estate

 

Nov 1979               Electric stove for kitchen donated by Earl and Anna Schrader

 

 

 

May 1982               Original painting of this Church as it appeared in 1905 and painted by Madeline Sykes Stubbs was donated by Jim and Helen Hewes

 

 

 

Oct 1983               Elgin Clock for wall, wooden floor lectern, brass altar candlesticks, brass altar vases & offering plate (polished and refinished and wood

                              extension for altar cross were given by friends and family in memory of Edward T. Benson, Hugh Wright Caldwell, Jr, William A. Carr, 

                              Sarah E. Dixon, Eva C. Foard, Nellie Amanda Spear Heath, Myrtle V. Price, Robert Remmel and Allan R. Stover

Dec 1983               Bequeath from the Estate of Nellie Amanda Spear Heath in the sum of $21,506.08

 

 

 

Jun 1984                Bequeath from the Estate of Eva Foard in the sum of $500.00

 

 

 

Jul 1986                  New shingle roof put on the entire building

 

Dec 1986                Bequeath from the Estate of Eleanor Peterson in the sum of $1,000.00

 

 

 

Feb 1987                New wiring and larger amp service with installation of a new yard light

 

Nov 1987               The church was painted inside and out by Schrader Painting Contractors, Chestertown, MD at a cost of  $8,348

 

 

 

Jun 1988                 New heater and oil burner installed by American Home & Hardware at a cost of $2,700.00

 

Jul 1988                  New drapes in C.E. Hall given by Mr. & Mrs. Rickie Barker

 

Aug 1988               New electric fans for sanctuary given by Nelson D Stubbs

 

 

 

May 1990               New refrigerator for kitchen

 

May 1990               New curtains and rugs for classrooms

 

May 1990               New electric range including electrical hookup

 

May 1990               New silverware and 36 cup coffee urn for kitchen

 

Aug 1990               New kitchen cabinets and work table installed by Earl & Anna Schrader

 

Aug 1990               Coffee cups donated by Betty Kline

 

Aug 1990               Robes for children’s choir made by Sherrie Fauvelle & Susan Talley

 

 

 

Sep 1991                Major renovations at manse and to church building at a cost of $9,385. Howard Bach, Contractor At the manse the repairs included a new

                               roof & gutters, windows painted and sills covered.  Roof repairs at church and a new front sidewalk in front of the church.

 

Nov 1991               Front gable end as well as trim immediately below roof line covered with vinyl.  Cost not to exceed $8.000.00, Howard Bach, Contractor

 

Dec 1991                Mahogany cross installed on front gable - Built by Earl Schrader.  Flood lights installed by Russell Graham.

 

 

 

Apr 1992                Ramp to aid people with disabilities and connecting new sidewalks.  Contractor - Howard Bach

 

May 1992               135th Anniversary celebration - Sunday May 3rd - Rev. Wm. J. Fuerstenau, Guest Speaker

 

May 1992               New rain gutter installed on left side of sanctuary

 

May 1992               Area landscaped around new ramp, Jack and Barbara Lum

 

Jul 1992                  Phone installed in C E Hall

 

Fall 1992                 Dogwood trees planted (2) at the church (2) at the manse

 

Dec 1992                Cushions for sanctuary pews given by South Pres Ch, Dobbs Ferry, NY

 

 

 

Jul 1993                  Two candle lighters with snuffers given in memory of Ethel Purdy

 

 

 

May 1994               Installation of vinyl siding on church building.  Contractor: Howard Bach Total cost:$15.500.00

 

Nov 1994               White Advent Banner, artistic creation by Sherrie Fauvelle from patterns suggested by Gordon & Ruth Bennett in The Advent Banner.

 

 

 

Apr 1995                New storm doors installed at the manse by Richard Beckley and Jim McVey

 

Apr 1995                Outside steps leading into the sanctuary were painted by Earl Schrader

 

Dec 1995                New tree planted on front lawn of the church property by Brownie Troop 1268

 

 

 

Apr 1996                Large Painting depicting the cross and open tomb created by Confirmation Class members, Sarah-Jayne Irwin, Anna R. Fauvelle,

                              Christopher D. Foster and Robert L. Fauvelle along with the guidance and help of Jon and Mary deVos.

 

Jun 1996                 Walls and ceiling of the sanctuary were painted at a cost of $3,600.00 plus additional cost of $900.00 for ceiling repairs Contractor:

                               Orlando J. Maccari

 

Jun 1996                 Ramp for the disabled received a new coat of water seal by Richard Johnson

 

Nov 1996               New public address system was donated and installed by John & Becky May

 

Nov 1996               Twenty folding chairs in the hall were painted by John & Becky May

 

Dec 1996                Outside bulletin board completely rebuilt and material donated by Harold Reynolds, Jr. His grandson, Robert Fauvelle and nephew,

                               Christopher Foster gave a helping hand

 

Dec 1996                A replica of our church facilities was created by Jack Yates for the benefit of the John C. Yates Scholarship Fund. Eleven of the replicas

                               have been purchased so far.  Cost being $25.00 each

 

 

 

Dec 1997                New TV set donated by The May Family, The Barker Family, The Gross Family, The Irwin Family

 

Dec 1997                Used VCR donated by Nelson Stubbs for the Education Department

 

 

 

Jan 1998                 Microwave oven donated by Jon & Mary deVos for the kitchen

 

May 1998               Front steps were painted and paint donated by Earl Schrader

 

Nov 1998               All outside doors were painted by Clarence Dixon, Painting Contractor.  Color: Heritage Red,

                               Nellie Shonert made the arrangements and paid for job.

 

Dec 1998                Ramp for the disabled received a new coat of water seal.  John May applied the sealer and power washed. Richard Johnson provided

                                the sealer. Tim Gross loaned without cost the power washer.

 

Dec 1998                A large number of the folding chairs were painted by John and Beck May.

 

Dec 1998                Several electric bulbs were replaced by Harold Reynolds and helpers in the sanctuary

 

May 1999               Our manse located at 317 Cecil Street has been prepared for sale and was sold to Heath and Holly Hardin for the sum of $110,000.00

                               with a settlement clause that we contribute $4,500.00 towards the settlement cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sep 1999                Bequest of $1,000.00 received from the Estate of Kitty Fuller Dilks

 

Sep 1999                Jon & Mary deVos donated funds to purchase a portable sump pump to help keep the crawl area dry under the church.

 

Oct 1999                 Three portable coat racks donated by Jay Irwin

 

 

 

Jan 2000                 Fifty-two copies of “The Presbyterian Hymnal” dedicated and put into use in our sanctuary.  The hymnals were purchased from funds

                               received from memorials and in honor of.  The proper bookplates have been placed in these hymnals.

 

Jun 2000                 New gutter and down spouts installed on West and Back of the building by J R Blevins Inc. at a cost of $434.00

 

Sep 2000                John May refinished the Handicap ramp coming into hall with new wood sealer.

 

Jul 2000                  Wall clock donated by Bob Averitt, Pencader Pres. Church

 

 

 

Jul 2001                  New catch basin to channel run off water installed by the Town at the rear of building

 

 

Nov 2001               Several new ballast in the ceiling fluorescent lights in hall installed

 

 

 

Jan 2002                 Very good used Refrigerator for kitchen donated by the Fauvelle family

 

Jan 2002                 With funds from Fall yard sale, new curtains and mini-blinds were hung in the CE hall by John & Becky May

 

Jan 2002                 “Commitment to Peacemaking” adopted by the Session

 

Jul 2002                  New Communion Cloths hand made by Erika Nafzinger donated

 

Sep 2002                New kitchen spigots and bathroom closets updated

 

Jan 2003                 Bequest from the Estate of Mary C. Walsh in the sum of $14,250.00

 

Sep 2003                Old chimney over hall removed for safety reasons and replaced with a new metal chimney

                               Contractors: Curtis Carpenter and H & B Plumbing and Heating

 

 

 

Feb 2004                New sump pump, gutter repair and sidewalk raised.  Work done by Marc Larson

 

Jul 2004                  New storage shelving donated and installed by John and Marilynn Homan

 

Dec 2004                Major repairs on sanctuary floor and sub-structure Work done by Hutton Builders, Cost: $21,000.00

 

 

 

Feb 2005                New Mohawk Town Center 36oz (Wild Willow color) Carpet in the sanctuary Cost $3,700.00

 

 

Feb 2005               Altar Chairs and Pulpit top were upholstered by C. A.. Stafford, Wilmington Manor, at a cost of $857.00. 

                              Cost of this project was donated by  Art and Doris Gribble, John and Marilynn Homan, and Richard and Betty Beckley

 

Feb 2005                Kitchen was spruced up with new curtains and sink utensils by the Allan & Sharron Taylor family

 

Mar 2005                $15,000.00 Grant from New Castle Presbytery for renovations/after school program

 

Apr 2005                Outside Bulletin Board painted by Bill Uhler, Volunteer

 

May 2005               Sanctuary front doors refinished and painted by Bill Uhler, Volunteer

 

Jun 2005                Art Auction fundraiser by Ross Galleries held in our building.  A great committee engineered the project making it a success

                              raising $5,225.13 for renovations/after school program.

 

Jun 2005                 Bill Uhler, Volunteer refinished the handicap ramp with a new coat of sealer and made repairs

 

Sep 2005                New water heater installed in the kitchen by John Wadkins at a cost of $522.00

 

Sep 2005                Katrina Disaster Relief—Organized by John and Marilynn Homan & Allan and Sharron Taylor and initially endorsed by our church

                               followed by other churches and organization a large effort by all to collect and send necessary supplies and goods to victims

                               of the disaster.  Several tractor and trailers were sent.

 

Oct 2005                 New stainless steel kitchen stove purchased in memory Mary R. Brown.

 

Nov 2005               Entire new shingle roof was installed on the whole building by Hutton/Blomquist Contractors at a total cost of $14,300.00

                               (30 yr. Architectural with 30# under layment and ice and water guard in all valleys–Old shingles taken off)

 

Nov 2005               Lowery home organ donated by Bill and Arlene Uhler for use in the hall.

 

Nov 2005               New electric dust buster for kitchen, donated by Dick and Betty Beckley

 

Dec 2005                Minolta Floor model copier donated by John and Marilynn Homan t/a Business Alliance LLC

 

 

 

Jan 2006                Gateway Computer and monitor given by Richard and Betty Beckley

 

Feb 2006                         $10,000.00 grant from the New Castle Presbytery for after school program.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                               Installed by American Home & Hardware Home Center, Elkton, MD..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 2006               New storm door for kitchen donated by John and Marilynn Homan.  Door installed by Wes Durrett and Bill Uhler

 

Jun 2006                 Ordination of Kathie S. Pownall in our sanctuary by the Presbytery.  On the 17th she began officially as our Stated Supply Pastor.

                               (First half of 06 she was our Temporary Supply Pastor)

 

Jul 2006                  Floor of old section of hall reinforced by Hutton Builders at a cost of $14,850.00

 

Jul 2006                  $5,000.00 Grant from an anonymous foundation

 

Aug 2006               Wooden Roll top desk given to full fill a need in church office.  Given by Sharron and Allan Taylor

Sep 2006                Electrical Work completed by Jim Frazer d/b/a County Electric.  Installed several more electrical outlets at a cost of $1.200.00.

 

Sep 2006                Forty Pew Bibles (Large print) Donated in memory of........various

 

Sep 2006                Handicap ramp sealed and protected from weather elements by Bill Uhler

 

Oct 2006                 Computer equipped with Window XP Operating system installed in the office of the Church by Allan and Sharron Taylor. 

Dec 2006                Eleven Pew Bibles (Large print) Donated in memory of.....various.

 

 

 

Jan, 2007                Memorial gift in the sum of $1,000.00 given in loving memory of William Camp by his family.

 

Jan, 2007                Microwave oven and other utensils given for use in the kitchen by Alice Hill

 

Mar,2007                $10,000.00 grant from the New Castle Presbytery for after school program

 

Mar, 2007               $1,000.00 grant from local VFW post from their charity fund

 

Apr, 2007               Rest room facilities relocated to northwest corner of building.  Contract price $33,400.00.  Work done by Hutton Builders, Contractors

                               Sub-contractor H & B Plumbing and County Electric.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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