The trustees of Edgartown’s stately, pillared Methodist Church have voted to transfer ownership of the building to the Martha’s Vineyard Historical Preservation Society. The gift of the 137-year-old church of whaling days ends years of struggle by the small congregation to keep the building, and opens the way to the creation of the largest year-round auditorium on the Island.

 

Three days of perfect October sunshine marked the observance of the fiftieth birthday of the noble church building which for half a century has been the pride of Edgartonians, regardless of denomination.

 

Located upon the main street, directly on the line of travel from the railroad station to the various hotels, for years it has attracted the admiration and wonder of the passing stranger - admiration for its beauty, yet simplicity, of architecture, and wonder at finding a church edifice of such grand proportions in a small seaport town.

 

The Methodist Church and Society of this place have decided to hold in their church, on Christmas Eve, Thursday the 24th inst., a grand Christmas Festival. Two or more noble Trees will be placed in the church on which Christmas presents will be hung, and from which they will be given out by a Committee appointed. The Committee request that all presents be brought in to them in the vestry of the Church on the forenoon of that day, or at farthest as early as two o’clock P.M. The Church will be decorated somewhat with Evergreens.