Heritage Focus of Anniversary Celebration
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Glenn Dale United Methodist Church celebrated its 195th anniversary at Perkins Chapel on Sunday, September 19. The small church was packed with current and past parishioners and friends. Long-time member Shirley Seaton Brumbaugh and Pastor John Blanchard led the service devoted to our rich heritage.
Jean Hall presented the history of our original church, Pleasant Grove Meeting House (1815-1916). She was chosen to talk about Pleasant Grove, because of the Hall family’s connection. Her son, Rick Hall’s, fourth-great-uncle sold an acre of his land to build this Methodist Episcopal house of worship.
During the Civil War, the Pleasant Grove congregation split, and some members started Perkins Chapel (1861-1965). Former member Mildred Thompson talked about worshipping there from 1942-1963. At Perkins Chapel, she was active in the Women’s Society of Christian Service, the Methodist Youth Fellowship, and the choir.
Our third speaker, André Jackson, attended nearby Dorsey Chapel (1880-1971) all of his life until it closed in 1971 and united with Perkins Memorial. André told about attending Dorsey Chapel’s 110th Anniversary Celebration the day before. He is anxious to build a stronger relationship between the Friends of Dorsey Chapel and Glenn Dale United Methodist Church.
Among the special guests at the Heritage Day service were former Pastor Stanley R. Bice, Jr., and his wife, Churalene. Rev. Bice led us in the pastoral prayer. Also attending were Marvin and Mildred Anderson of Baldwin Memorial UMC. Mr. Anderson’s distant cousin, Samuel Anderson, built Perkins Chapel, and Samuel’s son-in-law, Henry Soper, built the pews. Ninety-seven year-old Elizabeth Hance Lammers was christened at Perkins Chapel and attended there as a child. Her daughter, Ruth Lammers Barton, brought Elizabeth to the service.
With the help of Barbara Gibson on piano and Kent Hills on trumpet, the church resounded with familiar old hymns, “The Church in the Wildwood,” “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder,” “Bringing in the Sheaves,” and “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.” The service ended with Rosemary Haft singing her original tribute to Perkins Chapel, “The Little White Chapel.”
Following the service, worshippers enjoyed a delicious luncheon at Glenn Dale United Methodist Church of ham and turkey; various cheeses; Harvard beets; potato, Jello and pasta salads; and cupcakes for dessert.
