About Hawley

A Brief History

In 1873 the Western Maryland Railroad that already offered passenger service from Baltimore to Hagerstown, MD opened a station at the Blue Ridge Summit. Excursions, resorts, and summer homes brought many people to the mountain. Among them were Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hawley, who built a summer home named, "Monta Vista". For people who were on the mountain, the Hawley’s, who were faithful members of the First Congregational Church of Baltimore, led Sunday services in their mountain top home. It was not long before they saw the need for a more sizable place of worship, and put vision into action by building a church in the shadow of their home. For the vision to come to fruition, Mr. Hawley, successful in his family’s lumber business, hired Thomas C. Kennedy, an architect also from Baltimore. Contractors from Hagerstown used wood from native trees and took stone from the mountain at the rear of the property. The design came from a unique church in Czechoslovakia that Mr. Hawley had admired upon a visit there. e However,Mr. Martin Hawley did not live to see the vision fulfilled, since he died on July 10, 1988. One year and one month after his death, Hawley Memorial Chapel was formally dedicated to the glory of God and for the spiritual welfare of the mountain people August 10, 1889.

In 1929, after a congregational meeting, Hawley Memorial Presbyterian Church (HMPC) overtured the Presbytery of Carlisle for membership. The overture was favorably received, and the Hawley Memorial Church was enrolled as a member of Carlisle Presbytery. In 1983 the Presbytery of Carlisle became a part of the Presbyterian Church in the USA. Shortly after, the Session hired Dr. Charlie Shedd as an interim pastor. From the first Sunday the people were encouraged to hug one another. This tradition of caring and sharing resulted in the nickname, "The Hug-In Church," echoing how on the day of dedication the congregation sang “Blest Be the Tie That Binds Our Hearts in Christian Love.” Over the years, each member and minister has contributed his or her particular gifts, as did Mr. Martin Hawley, to God’s vision. Many have left behind immeasurable values that have enriched the lives and guided the people of HPMC. Still now the steeple bell calls all who hear to worship each Sunday morning to hear the word of the Lord. These people, God’s people, know there is still more is to come for in December of 2016, Hawley transferred from PC(USA) to become a congregation in the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO), with the vision to help HMPC and others in ECO to build flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ in an ever-changing world. The people of HMPC are excited to see. Come and see, too, as God’s vision is further unfolding!