Liberty Grove United Methodist Church

As the congregation of Methodists in Burtonsville worshipped in 1863 the country was in the middle of the Civil War and Lincoln would issue the Emancipation Proclamation and deliver the Gettysburg Address. Burtonsville was a farm community and contained a Baptist Church, a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse and a store. In a publication of 1879, Burtonsville was described as "Five and one-half miles from Laurel. Soil, arable and principally cleared: land sells for from fifteen to sixty dollars an acre. 20 to 30 bu. wheat, 25 to SO corn, and hay two tons per acre. Liberty Grove Church, Pastor, Rev. J. Cook. Population, 50."

Sunday morning would find them worshipping in the Old Log School House, located in the triangle where Old Columbia Pike and Sandy Spring Roads intersect Although for several years preaching was held on Saturday afternoon, once a month. At that time they were known as the Methodist Episcopal Church. Soon they were anxious to have a church of their own, but there was a disagreement about whether to build it in Spencerville or Burtonsville. It was decided that fund-raising would be undertaken and the group raising to larger amount would decide, and Burtonsville won!

The foundation was dug and a small frame church was built across the street from our present building. Since it was near a small pond and swampy area, it was called Frog Pond Church. The later and more dignified name of Liberty Grove probably came from a similar name given to woods south of the building. One resident recalls an enormous tree in that vicinity leading to speculation that the idea of designating a village tree the Liberty Tree, which became popular at the time of the Revolution, was the source for the name Liberty Grove.

Later in 1910 a shed was built for the use of parishioners' horses and carriages during bad weather and in the 1920's remodeling was done to include enlargement of the sanctuary, a new vestibule, a bell tower and an "overflow" room. During 1946, the church purchased about 29 acres of land across Columbia Road for church expansion. The church had its final face lift in 1949 when an educational wing with ten classrooms was built with a largely volunteer building force. This space was soon outgrown due to tremendous church growth between 1945 and 1957 when the organized Church School alone grew from about one hundred to well over four hundred members. An outside shed was even converted into a classroom for The Senior Class. Therefore, the Trustees authorized the ground breaking for a new Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall.

Four different churches made up the Spencerville Circuit, Liberty Grove being one of them. These churches had shared one minister until 1947 when our church was large enough to support its own minister. Rev. Paul S. Jones (1947-1952) was the first and last Pastor to serve exclusively at the original church.

As the congregation of Liberty Grove Methodist Church worshipped in 1959 they were doing so in their new sanctuary. Earlier there had been a short service at the old church and then the choir and congregation were part of a long procession going across the road to the new church building. They were now known as Liberty Grove Methodist Church with the name changing later in 1968 to Liberty Grove United Methodist Church.

The Korean War had ended six years earlier and Burtonsville was growing. During 1972 an Education wing was erected adjoining the church. In 1985 there was much celebration as Bishop Yeakel presided at the burning of our mortgage and the Dedication of the church building.

Charles I. Wallace (1952-1962)
Harold A. Milstead (1962-1965)
Walter J. Zabel (1965-1974)
Loren L Gisselbeck (1974-1980)
Ralph G. Barrett (1980-1984)
Bruce R. Graham (1984-1986)
G. Edward Grove (1986-1991)
Kathleen H. Kohl (1986-1989)
Richard P. Bowman (1989-1990)
John G. Hamilton (1991-1994)
Richard D. Hogue (1994 - the present)

As the congregation of Liberty Grove United Methodist Church worships today in 1998, our country is blessed with a time of peace. We can sit in church and reflect gently and quietly on all that has happened in our church in the years that have passed - memories of worshipping, joys, friendships, difficulties, healing and expressions of faith. The church's staff has grown to eight people and we have over seven hundred people listed as members. We now worship with the joyous music of the new electronic organ, singing from the new United Methodist Hymnals in the comfort of an air- conditioned sanctuary. We have a choice of attending three different worship services and enjoying "Coffee and Conversation" from our newly remodeled kitchen. We can even be reached on the Internet at http://198.139.157.15/libertyg.

However, the words of the hymn We Are the Church remind us that the church is much more than the building itself when we sing, "The church is not a building, nor a steeple, but the church is the people." And we indeed realize it is the people who while they worship and work in the church and take part in its programs and special events, become the church itself.

Some of our activities today are the same as in the past. We still have our choirs for adults and children, Turkey Suppers (started in 1936), United Methodist Women (formally the Women's Society for Christian Service), Adult Fellowship (evolved from the Methodist Youth Fellowship of the 1930's), Belles and Beaux, the Living Nativity, Youth Fellowship trips to Camp Hope and other work camps, church picnics, Scout meetings, and the Hand Bell Choir.

Liberty Grove continues to be an active part of our local community which has now reached into nearby counties. We offer various types of assistance and the use of our facilities for meetings. A nursery school uses our classrooms during the week. Previously, we have shared our church with the Resurrection Catholic Parish and a Chinese congregation who worshipped in our chapel.

But we also look to the future with new programs begun in recent years such as the Methodist Men's Ministry, One Great Day of Service, Young Couple's Fellowship, Retired United Methodist Men, Disciple classes, and Covenant Discipleship Groups.

Today's Homecoming is a reflection of 135 years at Liberty Grove. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who guided this church through these past 135 years, we give you thanks and praise for the many blessings you have bestowed upon our congregation. We honor those who have prepared a heritage for us by bringing your message to this place. By their energies the church was gathered, given order and continued. Remembering those Christians who have gone before us, may we follow as they did in the way, truth and life of Christ. Amen.

Liberty Grove is a dynamic church of dedicated members. As we pass the 1863 cornerstone from the original church, located in the wall on the landing of the bell tower stairwell, we can remember and be thankful for our rich and blessed traditions and heritage.