HISTORY

Historical Information

It is impossible to name all the wonderfully devoted and dedicated people that have made this Church the center of the Christian Community that it is today and will continue to be for all of those tomorrows to come. They are truly a blessing to all of those who are now worshiping within the walls of this historical landmark.

Francis Deakins is given credit for surveying the empty lands west of Fort Cumberland in 1787 and laying out almost 5,000, 50 military lots. He had 10 surveyors working under him. His half-brother William Waller Hoye, was one of them.

Deakins and Hoye were able to negotiate with the new state of Maryland for choice tracks they had found in the area known as Sang Run, where Meshach Browning, the famous hunter, and the Friend family were their neighbors.

William Hoye had 18 children by two marriages, and other pioneers had large families as well. They established a one-room school, which later was known as an “academy”.

In 1828 John DeWitt Sr., came from Virginia, and bought four military lots at the Crossroads for $200. His son, John DeWitt Jr., succeeded his father on the Johnstown farm.

On July 17, 1855, John DeWitt Jr., and his wife Louise deeded to William Casteel, Truman West, John Wagoner, Johnathan Friend and Nathan Casteel for the sum of $55 Lot No. 2 in an area first referred to as Cross Roads upon which to build a house of worship. Two Indian trails crossed at the point that was the heart of the little rural community.

The name Hoyes was chosen in honor of the earliest settlers who owned much land adjacent.

On this site a simple log church was built. Although a building built in 1855 – 1856, a fellowship of believers apparently was actively organized for worship and study prior to the date that the church building was actually finished. This was the first Methodist Episcopal Church.

A Sunday School was organized in May of 1856 with an enrollment of fifty-five persons. Albert Cook was the first Superintendent. For a number of years the Sunday School was closed during the winter months, usually opening again in April or May.

According to history that has been passed down through the word of mouth, it is believed that Hoyes Church was used in the morning by the Plantation owners and the other white members of the congregation, and then in the afternoon by slaves.

The settlements of the plateau of Maryland’s frontier were established as tobacco plantations. Even though the tobacco plantations proved unsuccessful, slaves were retained to do much of the laborious work on the farms. By way of this tradition comes the story that several slaves are buried along the upper (northern) edge of the cemetery located next to Hoyes Church. A memorial bench was placed there in 2006.

It was during 1877 that the log church was replaced by the little white church which is still in use.

A very interesting story has been documented about the first recorded funeral service held at the new church. Margaret E. Custer’s funeral service was held on July 13, 1877. The chancel of the church was complete; however the remaining interior of the building was not, so some mourners were seated on the joists of the floor. These same joists are now visible in the fellowship hall through the clear ceiling panels.

Reverend D. B. Orr, a Circuit Rider, preached his first sermon at Hoyes in 1888.

Little country churches usually had enough land donated or purchased to have a burial ground. In 1878, Archibald DeWitt donated land for additional cemetery space. By 1928 another plot was purchased from J. Arthur DeWitt, and the last purchase was made from Sadie DeWitt in 1953.

No bell or belfry had been added as part of the original church. In 1893 the church trustees decided to buy a copper and tin 150 lb. bell purchased from McShane Bell Foundry. The belfry was added to the church to the house of bell. The floor across the front of each side of the altar was extended and a railing was added. Three chairs were purchased at a cost not to exceed ten dollars each. It is interesting to note that the same bell is still calling the community to worship today. The same chairs are still being used in the chancel and in the sanctuary of the church today.

People say lightning never strikes the same place twice, but that cannot be said of the Hoyes Church. In 1914 and again in 1934, lightning struck also during 2000’s. No storm, no matter how great, could keep the faithful from gathering together to worship. On Sunday, July 17, 1926, between five and six o’clock, a hailstorm passed over Hoyes-Flatwoods section of Garrett County, Maryland and extended beyond Accident, Maryland. Hail larger than hen’s eggs fell during the storm. Mr. Henry Speicher is said to have measured one hailstone that measured seven and three quarter’s inches round. Our community of faith has always been ready to assist and aid persons facing hardships or difficulties in life. This belief in missions outreach was true in 1926 and continues today.

Eight beautiful stained glass windows and a transom window over the front door were installed in 1948. The windows cost $90 each. Each window is clearly marked as to who purchased it in memory of whom. Miss Icie Friend gave the transom window in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J. Bunnell Friend.

The year 1954 bought major changes to the “little white church”. It became apparent to Reverend Saville and his congregation that they needed to find a new church. The church was rich in history of Garrett County. Not only is Hoyes Church one of the oldest in the county, it was rich in the many memories it shared with men and women who have stood before the altar and taken their marriage vows. It is rich in sorrow, for many friends who have passed on and were laid to rest in the small cemetery, which lay in the shadow of the small church.

The combined efforts of the entire community of Hoyes provided a new landmark to replace one that had stood for almost one hundred years. The little white Methodist church, that provided the community with shelter and a place to worship. A collection was taken and $1,300 was raised with which to start the construction.

Those not belonging to the little church gave donations and worked hard as members to make the project a success. The little church that bore so many wonderful memories was “jacked up” on rollers. It was then moved approximately fifty feet to the current location. It was then that the real work began. Volunteer labor, men women and children alike, worked long and hard to complete the improvements to the little church. A basement, which includes a fellowship hall, a large kitchen, and a furnace room, were added. A new driveway and parking area completed this remodeling project.

In 1976, two Sunday School rooms were added onto the church. In 1977, a dedication service was held at the church for the purpose of dedicating a new bulletin board, pews, piano, organ, lights, Sunday School rooms, choir robes, and the chancel scarves.

On July 17, 2005 a 150th anniversary of the founding of the Church was held with Bishop Ernest Lyght as a guest.

The little white church was renewed as Hoyes United Methodist Church in 2012.