In the spring of 1779, Methodist pioneer
Francis Asbury visited this area to spread the message of his
faith. His efforts were successful and resulted in the organization
of a local society of Methodists. Early meetings were held in the
homes of members and in the woods where the church now stands. A
house of worship was constructed circa 1780, on land that was
provided by William Laws. The church was formally incorporated as
St. Johnstown Methodist Episcopal Church on March 5, 1822. The
property where the Meeting House stood was officially conveyed to
church trustees ten days later. The old building continued to serve
the congregation until 1872, when the present church was
constructed.
Cache is at a well known church that was
established in 1979 in Greenwood, DE. First part will take you to a
place where you will get the cords to the final cache. Final cache
is an ammo box painted Delaware blue.
When did Europeans discover the Nanticoke Nation? First contact
with the Nanticoke Tribe was recorded by Captain John Smith in
1608. While exploring the Chesapeake Bay, Smith and his crew sailed
onto the Kuskarawaok River. The Kuskarawaoks, later known as the
Nanticoke Indians, cautiously watched Smith's ship from the shore,
climbing into the trees for a better look. When Smith approached
the shore in a boat, the Nanticoke answered with arrows. Smith
prudently put down anchor for the night in the middle of the
river.
The next morning, the Nanticoke appeared on the shore with
baskets of food. Still cautious, Captain Smith had his men fire
muskets over the heads of the Nanticoke. The Indians escaped. Not
until then did the English see warriors lying in the reeds for
ambush. Later that afternoon, Smith noticed the Indians were gone,
and he and his men came to shore. He found fires still burning, but
no Indians were seen. Smith discovered glass beads, shells, and
copper pieces left as gifts of friendship.
The following day, four Indians who had been fishing approached
Smith's ship in a canoe. Smith convinced them he came in
friendship, and they returned with twenty villagers. Food, water,
and furs were exchanged for gifts the English brought. Several
Nanticokes agreed to serve as guides for Smith to continue his
exploration of the Kuskarawaok, now known as the Nanticoke River.
Smith described the Nanticoke as "the best merchants of all."
What does the name Nanticoke mean?
In Algonquian, the common Indian language of Northeastern tribes,
the word Nanticoke is translated from the original Nantaquak
meaning the tidewater people or people of the tidewaters.