Into its Third Century of Mission and Ministry in Newark

1999 marked the 200th anniversary of Newark United Methodist Church. 200 years ago, though, this congregation wasn't called Newark United Methodist Church (NUMC) and it didn't have a large building on Main Street. It was referred to as "Meteer's Meeting" and met in either Thomas Meteer's house or the papermill he operated beside White Clay Creek.

Methodism took root in Newark through the work of missionaries who preached and visited Methodist societies in the late eighteenth century. Newark's strategic location between Baltimore and Philadelphia made it a convenient stop for many itinerant preachers resulting in the formation and nurture of Newark's own Methodist society.

In 1812 the society moved into its first building, Tyson's Chapel, located on what is now called Chapel Street. By 1845 the church needed a new building and wanted to move onto Main Street, but the town was against it, saying that "the noisy Methodists had no right to disturb the peace and quiet of the citizens by holding their boisterous meetings on the main street." (John Fletcher Williamson. "Recollections,: The Peninsula Methodist,--- ---, 1888.)

The growing congregation bought a lot on Main Street in 1851, from an out-of-town owner unaware that no one in Newark would sell the Methodists land on Main Street. The sale took place at midnight, and building began the next morning, "to the utter surprise and consternation of our enemies." (Ibid.)

Through years of war and peace, hardships and prosperity, the congregation stayed rooted on Main Street, rebuilding after a fire in 1861, and adding additions as the congregation and its needs grew. During the depression, a building loan was repaid through the dedicated efforts of the Ladies Aide and other women's groups who used the church's new kitchen to prepare many church suppers, sell gallons of soup to the community, and become famous for their "Methodist Rolls."

Newark United Methodist Church has thrived and grown through serving God and our community. We offer three Sunday morning Worship services, as well as opportunities for Christian study and an active music programs for all ages. The 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship has been broadcast on WNRK since 1978. The carillon has played hymns from the steeple three times a day since 1953. The Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry of the University of Delaware has been at home here since 1948. The Refugee Resettlement Committee sponsored several members of a Laotian family in 1978. Since then NUMC has sponsored others needing to flee their homelands, among them families from Bosnia, Togo, and Kosovo. We house the Food Cupboard of the Newark Area Welfare Committee, and are active in ministry to the homeless, prisoners and their families, and people living with AIDS and their caretakers and families. We are also active in local Habitat for Humanity projects locally as a partner in the Newark Habitat Coalition.

In 1999 we celebrated our 200th anniversary as a congregation here in Newark. Among the special events honoring our bicentennial was a visit from our Bishop, Peter D. Weaver, who gave a stirring sermon linking us with the pioneers of our denomination and the future of our church. Our bicentennial year began with a Wesley Heritage Covenant Worship Service. Other special events included "Sweet Singer" (a musical about Charles Wesley) and a 200th Anniversary Pot-Luck Luncheon. To conclude this special yearly celebration, Newark United Methodist Church hosted a Community Thanksgiving Service.