Rockawalkin History

In 1839, the families of Williamstown felt the need to establish a church in their community. Because of an expressed need, on February 19, 1839, John and Peggy Humphreys signed the deed granting land for what was known as Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church of Williamstown in Somerset County. At the General Assembly in June of the same year, the charter for the church was approved and the following were selected as Trustees: John McDaniels, John Humphreys, Josephus Humphreys, William Byrd, and George Twilley. Mr. Byrd refused to serve and Thomas Mitchell was elected to fill his place. The pastor at that time was Rev. Joseph Carlisle.

The original church building had a gallery for slaves and freed African-Americans. Persons of both races worshipped together until after the Civil War, when a church for African-Americans was built on land donated by Daniel Melson.

About 1861, the community known as Williamstown and the church known as Williamstown Ebenezer M. E. Church became known as Rockawalkin M. E. Church.

A new church was the topic of church conversation in the spring of 1871. In June of that year, Josephus Humphreys deeded a tract of land for "divine purposes." The contract was given to E. J. Pusey at a cost of $1,299. The church was completed on December 9, 1871, and on December 10, 1871, was dedicated by Rev. J. S. Ostrander. His text was Matthew 21: 28. The old church is what we know now as our sanctuary.

In June 1942, the trustees agreed to wire the church for electricity. The work was agreed to and completed within the same month. The work was done by Alfred Baker of Delmar.

For some time there was no organ music and all music was led by Elijah Gordy. Occasionally, Mrs. Elijah William would bring her melodin and perform on it. Eventually, an organ was bought and Mrs. Mame Taylor Phillips became the first organist.

The choir came into being at the same time the organ arrived. The first members were Ellen Melson, Alice Pollitt, Vaughn Gordy, Charles Hayman, and Mr. and Mrs. Levin Melson.

A decision was made in April, 1947, to discuss the possible building and plan for a new Sunday School room to join the church. The new building was begun in December, 1947, and completed in September, 1948, at a cost of $6000. The main church auditorium was refinished at the same time. Bliss Melson gave new carpet in honor of his father and mother--Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Melson. The cost was $620. The new addition was dedicated on October 3, 1948.

As Rockawalkin continued to grow and prosper, the need became apparent for a basement under the church. In the fall of 1955, a decision was made to proceed with the project that was completed in the spring of 1956.

In 1983, the dream of having a building to house our Sunday School became a reality. We had ground-breaking services on Sunday, June 16, 1983, and started building our Sunday School addition. The old Sunday School Room known as the Wesley Fellowship Room became a part of the sanctuary. Early in 1984, we moved into the new addition.

On December 10, 1989, we celebrated our 150th anniversary of continued service. Bishop Joseph Yeakel and Dr. Thomas McKelvey, our District Superintendent, joined us in our celebration. During the afternoon service, we burned the mortgage for the new Sunday School addition. We have since installed new lights in the sanctuary. We are still growing and in January, 1994, started a second worship service at 8:30 a.m. That worship has since been tabled due to low attendance but we will consider bringing that back should the need arise. We have since installed new lights in the sanctuary. Most recently we updated our worship celebration with the addition of monitors to make it easier for all to see the songs and announcements allowing members and visitors to enjoy their worship experience.