Our History
Welcome to the story of our church—a journey of faith, fellowship, and service. In this section, you’ll discover how our congregation began, the milestones that shaped our community, and the faithful people who helped build a lasting legacy. From humble beginnings to meaningful growth, our history reflects God's grace at work through generations. Whether you're a longtime member or a new visitor, we invite you to explore the rich heritage that continues to inspire our mission today.
Early History
The town of Orleans was originally the southern part of Eastham; it separated from Eastham and incorporated on March 3, 1797. The early part of the 19th century was the period of the "Second Great Awakening", with widespread revivals led by evangelical Protestant minsters, resulting in a marked increase in church membership. Around the turn of the century, Methodism was spread by circuit riders traveling from town to town. Francis Asbury (1745-1816) was one of the original circuits riders. These itinetrant preachers were not officially designated as circuit riders, but were colloquially called "circuit riders" or "saddlebag preachers". They were dependent upon the hospitality of the local residents for food, lodging, and an opportunity to preach the gospel.
Rev Pliny Brett Efforts
Early records of the Orleans Church are spotty at best, but all concur that it was through the efforts of a circuit rider that the original church was formed. The Rev. Pliny Brett, who lived in Sandwich from 1820 to 1830, is almost certainly the circuit riders who started a good work in Orleans. The original Reformed Methodist Society was formed around 1820. The chapel was located near the old cemetery on Route 6A close to Main Street, approximately where CVS is now located. Very little recorded about this society, only that the Sunday school was formed August 2, 1827. Historical records confirm that Rev. Brett visited and preached in the town as well as in Chatham, Harwich and East Dennis. When he left the Cape about 1830, membership dwindled; and the church was inactive from about 1830 until 1836, when the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized under the care and direction of the Bishop and Conference.
Crossroad location
The new church site is the present location at the crossroads (near the academy). The cornerstone was laid on August 21, 1838 and the new church was dedicated on November 16, 1838. Two reports state that the lumber from the original church was used for this church. The dimensions of the original building are reported as 44' x 36'. A photography exists of the church at the crossroads prior to 1894; it is simple wooden structure with a picket fence and hitching posts outside.
life style
Very little is know about the early church, but an 1884 book by Enoch Pratt, A Comprehensive History...of Eastham, Wellfleet, and Orleans, described the customs and life of the residents at that time:
"Their manner of dress was simple. The cloth was homespun, and, after a bout of graduated from petticoats to trousers, the pair of trousers was passed on to each younger brother in turn. As an adult, a man would have a pair of substancial boots, reaching to the knee, which would last him life. Shoes and stockings were not worn in the summer. Both men and women would own a flannel garment for winter and a lighter garment for summer. 'They (women) were usually contented with one calico gown.'"
"In those days, everybody went to meetings Sabbath and lectures days, however distant they lived. Those who owned horses did not consider them any more their own than their neighbors on that day. It was the custom in many, if not all country towns, for the owner, with his wife, to ride halfway to a horse block made for that purpose, and there hitch his horse and walk on, for his neighbor to ride, who set out on foot, and so when they returned."
"Dinners began with a dish of broth, called porridge, which a few beans in it, and a little summer savory. Next would be an Indian pudding with sauce. Then would be a dish of boiled beef or pork, with turnips, and few potatoes (which were scarce and small). grain was corn or wheat, pounded by hands before they hd mills. Pumpkins were a staple food, and much appreciated, for with this food, the Lord was pleased to feed His people, till corn and cattle were increased."
"Fireplaces were large; they could receive a four foot log, and still have room for the children to sit in the corners and cunt the stars."
Life was simple then; people were occupied with the task of survive. Life expectancy was about 40 years, although if children survived early childhood, and women survived their childbearings years (up to 40% mortality) they could expect to achieve close to their three score and ten. Orleans had about 300 dwellings and slightly more family units, indicating that intergenerational families may have shared a home.
