Our Town Revisited: Makemie Church
SNOW HILL, Md. – Continuing our flash to the past. In October of 1999, we stopped by the Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church in Snow Hill, Maryland.
Faithful Founding
Founded by Irish immigrant Reverend Francis Makemie, the Presbyterian congregation was the first regularly organized of its faith in America. Now in 2025 while the church still maintains many of its traditions, it has also kept up with today’s times and plans to keep growing one service at a time.
Founded in 1672 the Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church has been standing for over 350 years. “We probably had about 100 members on the roll at a time, and on an average Sunday an attendance between 40 and 50. And now, almost all mainline protestant churches in rural areas, we are down to half or less than we were 25 years ago, but we still have a very warm and welcoming group here.”
Contemporary Christian
Deacon Karen Cottingham has been a member for the past 28 years and said membership has significantly changed during that time. “Young people were looking for more what is called “Contemporary Christian” praise and worship.”
She goes on to say, “They were looking for something that felt more like the music styles of their times.” Cottingham says suburban and metropolitan churches were able to go with the flow, but smaller churches didn’t have the resources to keep up or hire additional youth leaders, which caused congregations to die off all over.
She says though they have guest musicians who play everything from harps to guitars, they still maintain their traditional musical ways. “We still do have a traditional organist here, and we’re very blessed by that because they’re getting harder and harder to find. As those people are retiring, and no longer able to play the organ, there’s not as many people who know how to play that instrument.”
Invisible Innovations
The stained-glass windows have had touch-ups, the molding has been refreshed, and the beautiful decor has been maintained. Aside from the accessible ramp built over a decade ago, a lot of the change you can’t necessarily see. “But some things that are not as immediately noticeable, is the update in technology. We now have and audio-visual system in the sanctuary that allows us to live stream every service we offer.”
Timeless Traditions
Years ago, a church member sought to help the less fortunate community during the holiday season, where they served 50-75 families. Over 2 decades later, that program, and the love for the community is still strong. “That food program has never diminished. We serve around 100 families every holiday season, and we now have volunteers from the local high school to help us.”
Cottingham says people are still buried in the church’s cemetery at least once a month, and many of them just wanted to be close to family. Many believe that being buried next to your loved ones, brings you closer in the afterlife she says.
Holy Harmony
As one of the oldest churches on the Eastern Shore, Cottingham says they are aware of their history and have worked to become more inclusive. “Matthew 25 worship and communities are dedicated to racial harmony and reduction of poverty, and we are a Matthew 25 congregation. And even though you don’t see any signage around here, we hope that everyone sees our hearts and sees that we are playing that role in the community because that is how we honor God, and we love our Neighbors.”
The church says they have worship service at 11 am on Sundays, so if you wish to attend you can stop by 103 West Market Street in Snow Hill Maryland, or to stream services online, visit their Facebook page.
