Zoar UMC celebrates 100th anniversary

Zoar United Methodist Church had a 100th anniversary celebration Feb. 20. The church was destroyed by fire one Sunday in 1910. The church members, under the leadership of the Rev. J.L. Derrickson, rebuilt the sanctuary. On Feb. 19, 1911, the congregation celebrated the rebuilding of the church and rededication of the sanctuary.  The church was founded in the late 1700s and was the site of one of the oldest campgrounds (1805) in Delaware.

Many of the descendants of the families who rebuilt the church, as well as many newcomers, gathered Feb. 20 for a service of song, word and testimony. Sen. Joe Booth, R-Georgetown, presented the church with a proclamation from the Delaware Senate, which was sponsored by Booth, Sen. Gary Simpson, R-Milford, and Sen. George Bunting, D-Bethany Beach. There was another proclamation to be presented at a later date from the House of Representatives sponsored by Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, and Rep. John Atkins, D-Millsboro. Greetings were sent by Bishop Peggy Johnson. The Rev. Boyd Etter, Dover District superintendent, participated in the rededication of the church and was presented with a copy of the church history. The choir gave a re-enactment of the class meeting, which was the way many churches worshipped when the pastor was not available.

The Rev. Dr. Arthur Backus, who was a student pastor at Zoar during the mid-1950s, and again in the ‘90s, gave an inspiring message. After worship, there was a fellowship luncheon, where many were able to renew old acquaintances and enjoy the day.

The church history has recently been compiled by Janie Taylor and Mary Lee Phillips, and is available through the church office (934-6112 - leave name and callback number). The books are $10 each.