Our Story
Friendship History
Over a century of faith, fellowship, and service in the Damascus community.
Our Beginnings
Friendship United Methodist Church is rooted in Clagettsville, Maryland — a small community north of Damascus along Routes 27 and 80. Clagettsville is home to three significant African American landmarks dating to the mid-1800s: Holsey Road, Friendship United Methodist Church, and the home of Inez McAbee.
The first Friendship Church was built in the late 1800s and named after a nearby farm owned by the Moxley family. The name 'Friendship' comes from the land grant on which the Moxleys developed Friendship Farm. The original building stood among the pines behind the Welch farm — a brown frame structure whose first seats, studs, and benches were crafted from pine trees cut on the very site.
Among the earliest member families were the Taylors, Welshes, Holseys, Gaithers, Grays, Zeiglers, Potts, Lyles, and Donnellys — names still found on headstones in the church cemetery today, whose descendants remain members of our congregation.
Milestones in Our Journey
Late 1800s
The first Friendship Church is built among the pines behind the Welch farm in Clagettsville — a brown frame structure with benches hewn from pine trees cut on the site.
1901
A second church building is constructed, retaining the Friendship name. Its cornerstone, dated 1901, can still be seen on the left front corner of the church today.
1909 & 1928
Friendship and Pleasant Grove churches merge into a two-point charge in 1909. By 1928, Friendship joins a five-point charge that also includes Mount Zion, Warren, and Simpson churches.
1939–1942
The Methodist Episcopal Church, Methodist Protestant Church, and Methodist Episcopal Church, South unite to form the Methodist Church. Inez McAbee of Friendship serves as a delegate to the Jurisdictional Conference approving the merger. In 1942, the church building is relocated from Route 27 to its present location, with a basement added by trustee and builder Alexander McAbee.
1952–1984
A community house is built adjacent to the church in 1952, used for church governance and African American community gatherings. In 1984, the congregation pays off the mortgage from repairs following a 1963 fire that damaged the roof — a milestone celebrated with Retired Bishop Edward G. Carroll and former pastors.
1968–Today
In 1968, the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merge to form The United Methodist Church. In 1969, Friendship and Damascus United Methodist Church join as a two-point charge — a partnership that continues to this day.
Our Enduring Mission
"We are a congregation united in faith, committed to worshiping God, growing together in Christ, and serving our community with love."
Through every season of change, Friendship UMC has remained anchored in its commitment to scripture, fellowship, and outreach. We are proud of our heritage and excited about the future God has in store for our congregation.
Become Part of Our Story
We invite you to join us any Sunday at 11:00 AM — in person, on YouTube Live, or via Zoom — and add your chapter to the Friendship UMC story.