Cheltenham United Methodist Church
A
sign provided by the Prince George's County Historical Society indicates
that Cheltenham United Methodist Church was formerly the Westwood Methodist
Episcopal Church. "Founded in 1873 at Westwood
Farm, home of Julius H. Pyles, the cornerstone was laid on October 30, 1879
and the church constructed by the congregation. Enoch Pratt, Baltimore City
philanthropist, attended the dedication. The pulpit was handmade from a cherry
tree taken from the property. Early ministers traveled from Bladensburg on
horseback. The Sunday School building was added in 1945."
At right is a photo from the scrapbook of Maud Selby Young taken about 1900.
Joseph H. Selby, his wife Martha Pyles Selby, their infant son Henry, and their daughter Hattie Selby are buried as a family close to the church building on the east side. Some writings by and about Hattie Selby survive and reveal much about the life and times of Cheltenham residents.
 |
 The Church in 2010 with the Sunday School building to the left |
 The Selby family marker in the graveyard alongside the church |
|
 Joseph H. Selby Born Aug. 19,1841 Died Feb. 8, 1913 |
 Martha A. Selby Mar. 7, 1855 Feb. 9, 1943 |
 Hattie I. Selby 1881 - 1969 |
 Henry Infant son of Joseph H. and Martha A. Selby |