Some Thurmont Weller Church History
By Nancy Rice, Weller History Committee
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking to Richard “Dick” Creager, a former Thurmont resident and longtime member of the Weller (formerly Evangelical United Brethren) Church congregation. He had volunteered to help me clean a few gravestones in the Weller Cemetery.
As we were reflecting on the church’s history, he said he wanted to pass on a story about the bell tower. We walked to the front of the church. He said, “Look up. Do you see the difference in the stones above the small window?” I could see a slight difference in the color.
Dick then asked, “Did you know that stones from the demolition of the Stoner House were used to rebuild the top portion of the bell tower?” In the Spring of 1961, the historic Stoner House was demolished to make way for a new grocery store. I have never heard that interesting bit of Thurmont history ever mentioned in the 50-plus years I’ve been a Weller Church member.
Dick remembered how it was the desire of some church members and Pastor Elmer Andrews to remove the top brick section and replace it with the stones that had been stockpiled on Ralph Miller’s property, just off Water Street. It was certain to improve the bell tower’s appearance. Dick described how he drove his family’s (Creager’s Flower Shop) dump truck while local businessman Leonard Fogle loaded the stones using his backhoe. Dick hauled several loads of the stone to the church. He remembers a mason, from “up on the mountain,” was hired to do the stonework. When the stone work was completed, only enough stones remained that would fill a wheelbarrow.
The Stoner House was built in 1838. Therefore, it is quite possible the stones used may have come from the same source as those used in constructing the original Weller Church in 1831. One can see from these pictures how closely the stones match. However, the stones are a closer match to those used on the original church building.
The bell tower had been added in 1915. In 1965, the white steeple was added and is lighted at night. Located at the top of Altamont Avenue, overlooking the town, this spire can be seen for miles.
Weller Church after 1915 Remodel. Top portion of the bell tower is constructed of brick.
Weller Church bell tower as it looks today, showing the 1961 reconstruction using stone.
