A Community of Believers
As we celebrate our 196th years of ministry, we live out our call to mission and ministry to help people come to know Jesus Christ, grow in faith, and live as committed disciples. This includes nurturing a deep, personal relationship with God.
At the same time, the mission extends beyond the walls of the church.In this way, discipleship is not only about belief, but about action shaped by love
To learn more about our faith, plan to attend a membership class.
Our Story
The story of this congregation begins in the early nineteenth century, at a time when many Methodists sought renewal and reform within the Methodist Episcopal Church. On February 9, 1830, a group of citizens in Seaford gathered to discuss the formation of a new congregation that would reflect these aspirations. Their resolve quickly became action. The following day they purchased a modest meeting house located on Chapel Branch. Soon afterward, the simple frame structure was moved to its present location beside the Hooper Burial Ground, where it became the spiritual home of the fledgling congregation.
Today the chapel still retains much of its original appearance, standing as a quiet witness to the faith and perseverance of those who laid the foundation of this congregation nearly two centuries ago. Through generations of worship, service, and fellowship, the church has remained rooted in the same spirit of faith that first inspired its founders in 1830.
Early Days
From its earliest days, the church benefited from the leadership of Dr. William Morgan, a respected physician and devoted local preacher. Under his guidance the congregation affiliated with the emerging Methodist Protestant denomination, joining a movement that sought to strengthen the life of the church through renewed participation and faithful ministry. What began as a small gathering of believers soon took root as a lasting presence in the community.
Church Growth
As the congregation grew in both number and vitality, the need for a larger place of worship became evident. In 1862, the original meeting house was replaced by a new frame church that better served the expanding membership. The closing years of the nineteenth century brought further growth and vision. In 1897 construction began on the present brick sanctuary, a structure that reflected both the confidence and commitment of the congregation. The new church was dedicated on June 5, 1898, marking an important milestone in the life of the congregation.
New Church Dedicated
As the congregation grew in both number and vitality, the need for a larger place of worship became evident. In 1862 the original meeting house was replaced by a new frame church that better served the expanding membership. The closing years of the nineteenth century brought further growth and vision. In 1897 construction began on the present brick sanctuary, a structure that reflected both the confidence and commitment of the congregation. The new church was dedicated on June 5, 1898, marking an important milestone in the life of the congregation.
Pipe Organ
The church continued to develop in the decades that followed. In 1911 a pipe organ was installed, enriching the worship life of the congregation. One-third of the cost of this instrument was generously provided by the noted industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, whose gift contributed to the musical heritage of the church.
Renovations
In 1962 the sanctuary underwent significant remodeling and enlargement in order to accommodate the needs of a growing and active congregation. Care was taken during the renovation to preserve elements of the church’s historic character. The original stained-glass windows were carefully retained and incorporated into the renewed sanctuary, linking past and present in a visible expression of continuity.
The congregation of Mt. Olivet Church is devoutly thankful for the achievements of the past and looks forward to a future given to greater dedication in Kingdom building. With the ancient words of The Apostolic Benediction, the congregation assembled at Mt. Olivet Church faces with renewed strength the responsibilities of another week. The words likewise suggest a thought for us at this moment in our history. We have looked with appreciation on the past and in so doing we have gathered courage for the present and inspiration to go forward into the future in the fellowship of Christ.
If the Past Could Speak
From the 125th Anniversary Service:
If the past could but speak what an account of Christian experience would be shared. In part, it would be a story of how many have sought God in sincere worship and their joy in having found Him. It would tell of the faith expressed in the preaching of God’s Word, even Jesus Christ, the Word of God. We would learn the affirmation of trust in thousands of souls who saw something of the light and walked in consecrated devotion to the faith they declared.
We would know of hardened hearts made tender, of those who received release from the slavery of sin through repentence and faith. To us would come the record of those who gained hope after despair, faith in the midst of doubt, love that rose victoriously over hate. We would learn of comfort that was obtained in times of bereavement, consolations that were given for sorrow, strength that was received to bear life’s crushing burdens, and direction that came to guide the bewildered and the perplexed.
Yes, and the assurance, that this world was not made to be man’s home always. That man is looking “for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” It would be the history of those who came to the end of a great pilgrimmage whose caravans at last rest securely in a Father’s House.
All this and more is the history of a church with many chapters still unwritten. On this we can but reflect, reading between the lines as we remember the faithful through the years.