Darlington United Methodist Church is located in Darlington, Maryland. It is a pre Civil War structure, built in 1852, with white siding, large windows, and many historically original architecture. It is a church within the Baltimore Washington Conference of the UnitedMethodist Church. It is also one of two churches part of the Darlington Methodist Charge, the other being Dublin United Methodist Church in Street, Maryland. Prior to July 2014, the church shared pastors with Rock Run United Methodist Church, located in nearby Level, Maryland. There was a third sister church, Thomas Run Church which closed its doors in 1945.
History
With the purchase of land, known as “Phillip’s Purchase” from Joseph Worthington, in 1832 a log structure was built on the present site. It was later replaced in 1852 by the current frame structure, with a belfry and vestibule in 1892. A great revival occurred in 1896, with 185 converts in approximately six weeks. The Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in August 1932 and was joined by Thomas Run Church and Rock Run Church. The Church sold land in 1936 for the new Darlington Elementary School, which replaced the old Darlington Academy located across the street from the church. The old academy building is now the home of Stephenson Lodge and Twice Blessed Thrift Store. In 1956, the Christian Education Building was constructed and dedicated ten years in the presence of Bishop John Wesley Lord. It was dedicated in October 1978 to Mr. Robert Hostetter, who built it. Our Church was selected to be on the Christmas in Darlington Tour in December 1978, which included six other properties of the village and area. The Church also started the Darlington Apple Festival, which officially began in 1986. The inside of the Christian Education Building was severely damaged by a fire in December 2001 and was rebuilt in 2003. The new organ was purchased in 2004 and dedicated to Miss Laura Bradford, a long-time Church member and first grade teacher at the Darlington Elementary School. The Church recently celebrated its 175th Anniversary in November 2007. We are one of 82 properties within the Darlington Historic District, which was listed in 1987 by Christopher Weeks.
Community activities
The Darlington United Methodist Church is very active in the local community. Although Darlington, Maryland is a small and quaint little hamlet, the activities embedded in its life appeal to so many. The biggest attraction of the year is the annual Darlington Apple Festival. Its numbers surge into thousands. It is the biggest fundraiser for the Church. The Church also participates with the local Darlington Lions Club.
