The Christian faith is like a torch that is handed from one generation to the next. The congregations of Blackwater have been faithful custodians of the flame since 1857. It was in that year that the land on which the physical facilities are now situated was deeded to the church. The deed indicates, however, that a Methodist Church was already in existence on the property at that time.

Blackwater is therefore a church with no official beginning. It somehow seems appropriate that there is no specific date for the establishment of Blackwater. A beginning implies an ending, and Blackwater truly represents the church eternal.

The original sanctuary was a humble thirty by forty-foot whitewashed building that stood where the cemetery is currently located. One member, now deceased, remembered the location as follows: "It always seemed to me that it was a place God had blessed. Wild Irish roses were running everywhere, and it was peaceful. It just seemed like a place where Jesus would come."

A new sanctuary situated on the opposite side of Blackwater Road was built in 1896. This sanctuary was renovated in 1939, and a Sunday School Annex and frame parsonage were added. The third church sanctuary, a handsome colonial style structure of red brick with a slate roof, was completed in 1951.

The current sanctuary, an impressive Georgian style building, will seat over 500 people and includes a brides room, video room, restrooms and storage. Beautiful cathedral stained glass surrounds the large narthex and is also a prominent feature of the sanctuary. The community of faith celebrated a true victory in Christ when this building became debt free in 1995.

Church records dating to 1901 record the names of 32 faithful Methodist ministers who have shepherded the flock of God in these buildings.

The story of Blackwater is ultimately not a story of wood, bricks and mortar because a church is more than a building. The story of Blackwater is an inspiring record of faithful men and women who have been obedient to God's command to keep the flame of the eternal gospel alive in the souls of their sons and daughters.

The history of Blackwater is still being written on tablets of human hearts.