BITS OF HISTORY

ANSWERS TO SOME QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT NEVER ASK   

Our records indicate that in 1836, the Rev. Thomas G. Brown and his wife arrived in Orleans on September 1st and on September 6th, the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized with 16 members.

The cornerstone for the "new" church, in its present location, was laid on August 21, 1838 and was completed in three months. The building was dedicated on November 16, 1838 . We have been engaged in ministry on this corner ever since.

How many sermons were preached on a Sunday in the mid-19th century? 

• Three – morning, afternoon, and evening. On January 27, 1856, the gallery was lighted for the evening service for the first time. Some thought this an unnecessary extravagance. 

When did the church begin using envelopes for donations? 

• “The envelope system for finances was tried” in 1910. 

How old is the ceiling of the church? 

• The steel ceiling was donated by Mrs. Sarah Doane in memory of her husband Oliver Doane in 1911, making this year the centennial year of the ceiling. 

With what other town(s) did Orleans share a minister? 

• Eastham, and in 1946, Chatham. From 1947 until 1953, one pastor was responsible for Orleans, East Harwich and South Harwich.  

When did we get a minister of our very own? 

• Not until 1953. 

When did the church get electric lights? 

• Electric lights were installed and lighted for the first time on December 8, 1924. 

Is any history known of the chancel furnishings? 

• The baptismal font was made by Art Fancy; the gold leaf was applied by Leon Truesdell. The first children baptized using that font were Adele Hildick’s twins, Susan and Cynthia Kew; they are the grandchildren of Leon Truesdell. 

• The lectern was made by a former pastor, Rev. Frank L. Brooks, in the early 1930’s. 

When did the choir members first wear robes? 

• About 1936, Mrs. Miller, assisted by members of the Ladies Aid Society, made a number of black gowns with white collars.