[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    PROCLAMATION IN HONOR OF THE 240TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WHEATLEY 
                       METHODIST CHURCH BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ANDY HARRIS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 2024

  Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following 
Proclamation in honor of the 240th anniversary of the historic Wheatley 
Methodist Church building in Rhodesdale, Maryland, the completion of 
its five-year preservation project between 2019 and 2024 and the church 
being established as an independent legal entity known as Wheatley 
Methodist Church, effective November 1, 2023.

       Whereas, Wheatley Methodist Church (WMC) was erected in 
     1784 on land King George II granted to a William Wheatley, 
     during the eighteenth century. It was built with intent to be 
     a ``preaching house served by clergy of those people called 
     Methodist or a friendly clergy of the Church of England'' and
       Whereas, this heavy old growth timber frame structure 
     secured with wrought nails has existed since one year 
     following the victorious American Revolution in October 1783 
     and five years prior to George Washington becoming the first 
     elected American president; and
       Whereas, most Early American rural church buildings were 
     either demolished or abandoned and left no decay. The 
     Wheatley Methodist Church building has existed for 240 years 
     continuously serving its original intent; and
       Whereas, in 2019 existing colonial era horizontal wood 
     plank interior wall covering was discovered underneath 
     presenting Victorian era pressed tin. Further search revealed 
     serious construction issues causing the building be 
     condemned. Members' faith directed a decision to preserve the 
     historic structure; and
       Whereas, the five-year preservation project (2019-2024) 
     quickly became the pride of surrounding communities. 
     Financing for the $110,000+ project materialized from 
     donations of monies, time, materials, multiple fund raisers, 
     and two matching grants awarded by: the Bartus Trew 
     Providence Preservation Fund of the National Trust for 
     Historic Preservation ($15,000) and the Choptank Electric 
     Trust, Inc. ($2,400); and
       Whereas, the Wheatley Methodist Church is believed to be 
     the oldest American Methodist church with a continuously 
     active congregation worshiping in its original building 
     erected to be a Methodist church and the historic structure 
     continues serving its original intent well into the 21st 
     century. It is a tangible link to its Early American heritage 
     of religious family life in an agricultural community.
       Now, therefore, I, Andy Harris, Member of Congress, do 
     hereby proclaim and celebrate Wheatley Methodist Church on 
     its historic building's 240th anniversary, the completion of 
     its five-year preservation project and the church being 
     established as an independent legal entity known as Wheatley 
     Methodist Church, effective November 1, 2023.