Cumberland Sunday Times from Cumberland, Maryland • Page 34

L. EUGENE GOODKICR fttVday flaw jJUff Writer FROSTBURG No one' ROW knows where the free blacks of Frostburg first worshipped. Even the history books appear mistaken on that point. Whenever or wherever -it was, it certainly preceded President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Today, more than a 130 years after the establishment of the first black congregation of free Negros, the black church is still serving Frostburg through, tha Dickerson African Met ho dist Episcopal Church.

But for how much longer no one really knows. "It keeps every penny we've got to keep the church going," says Mrs. Dorothy Davis, who remembers being a little girl when the cornerstone of the present church was laid back in 1927. According to Mrs. Davis, the congregation has become so small in recent years that "I can tell who's in church by hearing the sound of their footsteps MEMBERS Davis, left, II liJGwrgU Wsitei lUed before i I I of the I church.

coming through the door Sunday service," she states. The Dickerson AME Church has seen its congregation dwindle from about 50 active members two decades ago to 11 today. Despite the decline, the church still carries 51 members on its discipline for AME general conference purposes. Although the black population of Alliegany County's Mountain City-is just under 100, the congregation on Sunday rarely tops the 20 mark. "I guess the most we've ever had in the church at one time in recent years was the day Curt Harper got married," said Mrs.

Georgia Waites, one the church's two oldest members. Mr. Harper, a fourth grada Maacher berland's Avenue School, church's youngest misMber. The one-room church, which touches the property line on three sides of its 26 by 40-foot lot at the corner Of, Pine and Mechanic Streets, has not had a resident pastor for over 20 years, but is served today by Rev. Leroy'' -Jackson, recently a i co mu er pastor from Seabrook, for both Dickerson and Metropolitan AME church.

"Most of the black people who would come to our church attend services at any of the older churches in the 'city," declared Mrs Davis. "And most of the black students at Frostburg State College don't even know we exist. All we want is a few more active members to keep the church going." "We're keeping it alive now only by the sweat of our brow," chimes Mrs. Waites, who shares the title of eldest member at age 71 with Mrs. Garnell Stamper.

"And the cost of keeping up the church is going up every Fights For Survival The 'Dickerson church, until about 10 years ago, wai the two black gregatiopt in Frostb'urg -However, under "the Methodist Church unification a decade ago, the John Wesiley Methodist Episcopal Church joined, the congregation of the First United Methodist Ch'urch. According to the church's cornerstone, the con- Xgregation had its beginning in the year 1845.. It is believed that the church was located on Ormand Street then, known as Hall's, fehapel after its pastor, Rev. R. A.

Hall. But then, it might not have been because no one remembers. The first preacher was also believed to be Jeffrey, Golden, a freed slave, while another freed slave. Rev. Thomas W.

Henry was forced to flee Frostburg Jbecause of his connection "with the famous Harpers Ferry abolitionist John Brown. The present wooden, frame church had Withstood 95 Frostburg Mrs. Davis admits that the winds in the winter "shake the lights and the windows a bit." The light fixtures them. selves attest to another era, LATICIA aad an (uturt being etched glass 1 But the stained glass is another story, albeit a sad one. beau-tiful stained glass windows in here at one time," Mrs.

declared," but it seems that we'can't keep, up with the beer' cans that keep flying through Pine Street a harrovir alley next to the cSurch, and-' five parking spaces on Vchurch property across the is a hay.en for young "beer drinkers. the financial upkeep moiints elsewhere, too. Twice in' ithe past couple years' the church's gas meter has been knocked off its pipes in front bydrivers, while just last weeK a concrete block was jarred loose on the foundation from another ptrker acrost the street "We have been able fa the church servant to date," said Mn Waites, "but the way things keep, getting broken around here, we won't be able to keep our Mads above It was an ancestor to one of- the neighbors who donated the ground onjvhich the church stands today. It was the grandfather (Thomas Mitchell SrV) of Mervin ho donated the'grodhd back In fact, repairs of year, might even, equal the total cost, of the Church as it was built 95 Except for the piano (which- has been -in church as long as Mrs. Davis can remember), a new gas heating system and the pews (which came, from the Church), the church' interior is the.sarne-as it was built for $800 back in 1881.

Bother active members of the are Othellus Waites, Delores Waites, Darlene Shelton, Lois Harper, Josephine Harper, David A. Davis, Susan Randolph and Mary Jane Coleman. FROSTBURG-KEYSER And Tri-State Area Sunday Tlmm, Sunday, June 20, im Talk Oil Ineas Given By Root Fourth Grade Wins Grand Prize IirOJdtown Student Art Show Clinic Set FROSTBURG Speaker before 'the Rotary Club of Frostburg this past week, Edward Root, Frostburg State faculty member and Rotarian, disclosed sojfije" of discoveries coftpernina the ancient Inca, Mayan andVAftec cultures of South and America that have surfaced as a result of his history hobby in this area. Combining facts discovered through archaeology and' related aspects of numerous- other sciences with known history and ruins WEDDING ATTIRE TUXEDOS FORMAL EAR Areas largest still extant, he developed in the minds of his hearers a vast respect for the a c- complisnments of these ancient. sufficients curiosity require hiV: remaining half-an-hpur past the'' clbsirig'-to give references arid answer questions.

He discussed the Inc'as' apparent skill and knowledge in medicine, art, masonry, transport of enormous weights of stone over long distances and deep, chasms, dentistry, weaving of an almost unparalleled fineness- arjd' knowledge jbf astronomy thij? we only toilay are equaling with our instruments. The Incas' matched the skill of Egyptians in used reed or rush boats similar to those on the Nile and boasted a calendar accurate within two one-thousanths of a day for the solar year. One ancient city, Tia Huanaca, covered eleven square miles, was nearly two and one-half miles, above sea level, the' perfect stone work, but was so. old that.even the'Incas could not. name its builders.

Estimates' run back to 25,000 B.C. President Roy Pepper acknowledged the reconition of Rotarian Joseph Cadwalader 'by trade -Journal of kitchen bath The April a front page photo and inside two- page spread devoted to his "Kitchen prajsing it as a unique tool for covering an extended territory. Visiting Rotarian was William Welsh, Cumberland. WILLETTS CUSTOMIZED TOURS MOTOBCOACH TOURS 5 ELMNOUS WESHHK Mair.s IS i ilgMeoiRa: CITH Tsn Slsap rfaai tcke Cllif. itudlas, Orcntf Conyan.

Folnfwi tetatt S.B.. Muioaw. JflK YMK CITY WEEKEW 1m 2-WILLIAMS8UR6 Jaly DISKY WORLD SPECIAL child lharlnp room with 2 ndulli 4-12 Wy .599. $155. tely BY THE SEA-.

Ih. IKW Holld.y Inn Irani) t- July W18-QCEAII CITY $59. July 7-CANADIAN ROCKIES I NOHTHWIST STATES $599. July bv lt $45. fcly 1 MYSTERY $49.

Ant. WORLD $155. 2 $76. Aug. WMWERLAM $76 Aug.

$113. SClmi $476. Alt BSUEY WtflB 78. $213. ctillri ihering ream writh 2 adulti 4-1J yn $119 IY Tht SEA $S9' tat.

HOLIDAY HEW EN6LAND $21176 Alt CfTY $59 WESTEIH 78 $509.78 FALLS $39. on any ef tail or for WILLETTS TRiVEL INC. M. laiM Prwtterf IM-34J4 Oanksrintf 777-7117 I OLDTOWN A Bicentennial art show was 'ducted by students at Qldtown School in conjunction with the town's celebration of the nation's 200th birthday. Conducted 'in two parts projects and Bicentennial theme it was 'directed by principal David 'and -art instructor J.ehny'Ap,?ey.

e'tTy of Oldtowh awarded spiscia! ribbons Bicentennial coins for all "winners with a-patriotic theme. Judges for that part of the show ere Glen DeHaven, vice principal Mrs. Ronald Hose, PTA president; Mrs. James Paulus, parent, and John Reuschlein. faculty member.

IBfce'irtehnial; gtitchery awardB-ifpr-first placement Scott Keister. Lis'a bivilTand Dawn Hedges. went to Mark Ritchie. Flag design winners were Kevin Wolford and Kyle Crabtree, while second went-to Carson Gross and David Calhoun. Original money design winners done by Billy Ravenscr'pft and Todd Kernsi; fashion design awards; were given Rick 'Cra'yon'design winners were David Shdbe, first, and Melissa Robertson, won prizes for Tommy Carder, first, and Chad Carter, second.

A grand award was given Mrs. Helen Testa's fourth grade class project for a full sized quilt which they made in 'class during one art class and free time before school or during play periods. Each child contributed at least one square and designs honored the thirteen original colonies and Showed many other well-known designs. Mrs. Philip Carder spent one morning in the classroom with her sewing machine helping the children to sew it together.

'Mrs. Robert Heller, Cumberland, visited one afternoon to show children how to quilt it by tying it with PRIZE winner in the Oidtown School; Ithis quilt sewed by the fourth graders. alternate of red blue to special awards were Stimmel.V given'Krisli Ho'se: and Kathy Crabtree for'cloth designs and Tracey Slansberry for Bicentennial mobile. Honorable mention was given to Karen Hose for a liberty belt and. Monica Lattea for rug making.

Judges for the general art display were Mr. Reuschlein and Stephen Shoemaker, both-, faculty members. Ribbons were' given for first and second place by the art department. chie with Ricky Mencer second. receiving'prizes in the optical illusion category were -Robin Shaw and Robert Bowman, first and Heather Santemyire and Scott Malcolm, second.

Stuffed food winners were, Ruth Teler and Michelle Twigg, while second honors went to Tracey Stansberry. Day-glow picture winners were Panri House, first, and Eddie Macereth, second. Magazine picture art was on three In wall coverings'. SLEEMAN FB08TIUBB. MMTUND In best done by Ned Hose with Nixon second.

First pla.ce i'monocramatic pictures went to John 'Colville with second place to Jeff Propst. Best-color study was submitted Tammy Devore and second went to Jennifer Carder. sculpture first place Winner was Mark Ensor and second Tammy Devore. Clay project were Kim with Bruce Robinson, Awards for linoleu'rn. 1 prints given" Luetla Rit- Mrs.

Linda while Laurie Cartwright- and Kathy Crabtree. First winners Llewellyn's room Walker and John Lewis second went to Scott Monnett and Brenda Bible. In Mrs. DeVore's and Mrs. Stillwagon's rooms first place winners were Carson Gross and Pat-Carder, and second to Denise Appel.

In Bolyard's grade. winners were Micheile.Gjnevan, and Mark whife Tony 'Snanridri 1 Bishop and Candy look second honors. Eagle Picnic Set Next Sunday FROSTBURG Frostburg Aerie 1273, FO Eagles will meet- Wednesday at 8 with! HerbertG. Smith, presiding. Smith announces that the annual family picnic and Rockville ball game will be held June 27 from 1 to p.m.

at Zihlman ball field. Auxiliary members or members wishing to bring-a covered di sh ma do so Friday, June 25 7 to 7:30 p.m.; County rabies clinic 'will be Keyser Vo-Tech, conducted throughout the June. from -1-tp Elk county over the Garden.School, jSatiif June according' to director DK, 26 fronvUo 3 -Burlington Thomas P. From. 7 State law requires'" all --dogs to New Creek School, five months of age and plder.to..

June. 29 from 7 to 8 be vaccinated and that all dogs p.m. Fort Ashby School, be vaccinated every two The schedule follows-; Fountain School, Tuesday, June 22 from 7 to. 8 p.m.; Short Gap School, Wednesday, JTune 23 from 7 to '8 p.m.; Antioch Wednesday, June 30 from 7 to 8 p.m. and Piedmont School, Thursday, July 1 from 7 to 8 p.m.~ School, Thursday, June 24 from" 7 to 8 p.m.; Wiley Ford The 13th amendment abolishing slavery became law Dec.

18, 1865. Card Party MT. SAVAGE Priie winners at the recent card party sponsored by Anne's Chapter were Mrs. Elsie Sweene, Mrs. Janet Lohr, Mrs.

Belva Miller, Forrest Mowbray, William Best Roland Neder. Setback winner was Mrs. Elizabeth Brinker, while the door prize was by Mrs. Thelma Green, -r Garden Top Summer Fashions Coordinates for the Smart Woman of Todays Worjd III RHODES of CALIFORNIA Cap sleeve Jacket for the layered lookl Fashions and pull on pants. Gbfed and fashion III Matching Blouses Dusty Rose Pink Summer White Buttercup yellow.

In the elementary winners in Mr. Sw'auger's room were Teresa Duckworth-and Debbie Wolford, first, and Aleshia Bingaman and Jake In Mr. Delaney's room first place ribbons went to Kim Merritt and Jimmy Crablree, with second honors for Llinda Whisner and Danny Grogg. Mrs. Thompson's room awards went to Kenny Wolford Hedges, firsthand seconds to Mark Davis and- Nancy Brown.

In Mrs. Testa's room first place winners were SUcey Stimmel. and Karen with seconds for Northern (continued from page 35) Susan Sisler, Amy Stanton, Rcnetla Yoder, Rose Yoder, Marcia Baker, Donna Barefoot, Christopher Barnard, Judi BashoTe, John Beiler, Sandy Bowman, Kathy Carr, Karlinda Engle, Chris, Ferree, Shirley Frazee, Robin Garlitz, Hilda Kolb, Cathy Resh, Schrock, Carol Wengerd, Blocher, Lisa Friend, Lawsbh; Audrey Maust, Shelly MethenV, Robin Moats, Judy Spangler, Edward Ponton and Joseph Stanton. SEVENTH GRADERS Dick Bender, Lisa Clutter, Greco, Tim Patricia Springraan, Alan Sweene, Jamie Vincent, R.T. Wengerd, Connie Wijey, Dewayne Wilhelm, Terry Edgar, Jim Fox, Jeff Frost, Marcia Gibellino, Don Gillum, Kimberly Goehrlnger, Tracy Ethel DeWitl, Lois Tpdd Glover, Barry Maust, Maust, Linda Miller, Mary Rosi, Cathy Spangler, Kttrina Steiringer, Pitty and Vermm Warn pier.

The House and Garden Club of Frostburg will meet tomorrow at 5: 30 p.m. in the summer, home of Mrs. Charlotte Sigler, Rocky Gap State Park. A covered dish dinner and hiking will follow the business meeting. 307 last Main Frosttaiirr FREEPARKINO Houtri 10 to 8 Sat.

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