A church built on the mountain
Hawley Memorial Presbyterian Church has welcomed neighbors and visitors to Blue Ridge Summit for more than 135 years. Today we are a congregation of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, growing disciples who make disciples.
A Brief History
When the Western Maryland Railroad opened its station at Blue Ridge Summit in 1873, the mountain became a favorite destination for visitors and summer residents. Among them were Martin Hawley, a Baltimore lumber businessman, and his wife, who began holding worship services in their mountain home.
The Hawleys went on to commission a church building. Martin Hawley died in 1888, and the church that bears his name was dedicated about a year later, in 1889.
- 1873The Western Maryland Railroad station opens at Blue Ridge Summit.
- 1889The church is dedicated in memory of Martin Hawley.
- 1929The congregation joins the Presbytery of Carlisle.
- 1983The presbytery becomes part of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
- 2016In December, Hawley transfers to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.
Under interim pastor Dr. Charlie Shedd, members began greeting one another with hugs, and Hawley became known as "The Hug-In Church."
Our Denomination
Hawley is a member of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, a denomination committed to building flourishing churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.