2019-11-07 00:27:10
509 Railroad Avenue East New Market, MD 21631 410-943-4383 www.umc.org/find-a-church/church/79030
Sarah Young, a free black woman, deeded land to establish the Colored People’s Methodist Episcopal Church in 1844. Now known as Faith Community United Methodist Church, this church is the second structure to house this still-active congregation.
African-Americans regarded southern white ministers as part of the system of slavery. These ministers stressed obedience and patience. Free black preachers, such as Rev. Samuel Green, a highly respected church trustee, offered hope and resistance. His preaching did not escape close scrutiny by white overseers, however.
Green purchased his freedom in 1834. He was able to buy his wife Kitty’s freedom, too, but his children remained enslaved. His son, Sam, Jr., fled to Canada in 1854, but Green’s daughter, Sarah was sold away from her two little children and never seen again.
Green turned anger into action. As an Underground Railroad agent, he helped Harriet Tubman and many other freedom seekers, including the “Dover Eight” in March 1857. He was caught and brought to trial. The white jury acquitted him. He was soon charged with possession of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, a violation of Maryland’s law governing people of color. He was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Next Site
Head west on Railroad Ave toward Main St. Turn right onto MD 16 E/ Main St. Continue to follow MD 16 E for 7.3 miles. Make a right on Seaman Rd. Travel 0.6 miles. The pull-off will be on your right.
Previous Site
Take MD 16 W on Railroad Ave. toward Main St. Turn left onto Main St. Continue onto MD 16 W/Cambridge Avenue. Follow MD 16 W for 5.4 miles. Make a slight right onto US 50 W. Turn left onto Bucktown Rd. Travel for 6.7 miles. Scott’s Chapel Cemetery will be on the right.
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