Our Church History 1801-1999

In 1801, Williamsport was one of 20 societies forming the Frederick Circuit Riders. Williamsport continued to be a part of the Frederick Circuit until 1813, when a plot of land on Potomac Street was purchased for $85.00. A Methodist Episcopal Church was to be built on that land.

In August of 1813, Bishop Francis Asbury traveled through this area and preached in the new chapel in Williamsport.

Between 1846 and 1847 the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church bought property on Church Street and built the present church. During the Civil War, the church was used to quarter soldiers.

In 1875, the Williamsport Church became part of the Antietam Circuit, which included Funkstown and Clear Spring. In 1903, Williamsport became an exclusive charge and was no longer a member of the Frederick Circuit.

In 1939, after nearly a century of separation, the Methodist Episcopals, the Methodist Protestants, and the Methodist Episcoplas South, united to become the Methodist Church. In 1968 the Methodist church united with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to become the United Methodist Church.

In 1903, Williamsport became an exclusive charge and was no longer a member of the Frederick Circuit. The parsonage was built adjoining the church. The cost was $1,900. The building next to the church was used as a parsonage until 1984 then it was used as the church office. It was torn down in 1991 when a major renovation of the church was undertaken.

In 1977, the building to the right of the church (15-17 Church Street) was purchased for future expansion. In 1984 it was sold as a down payment for a new parsonage on Neck Road. In 1998, the house next door to the old parsonage lot was purchased and demolished and a new parking lot was installed. The parsonage on Neck Road was sold in 1994.

The Williamsport United Methodists have always been proud of their church and have kept it in excellent condition. In the renovation of 1991, the memorial garden was reestablished on the old parsonage lot, the sanctuary was enlarged, new pews, altar, lectionaries, cross and altar paraments were purchased and installed, classrooms downstairs were enlarged and remodeled, and offices for the Pastor, Secretary and Music Director were moved to the downstairs of the Education Building.

Today, Williamsport United Methodist Church is a beautiful, modern church, with Sunday School rooms for all, a lounge area, sacristy, choir loft, and plenty of parking with room for all. Come see us!