Eyler's Valley Chapel

This beautiful church nestled in the Valley is also next to our family farm where my grandfather was born Charles Frederick Eyler. Our ancestors came from Switzerland in 1674. Fredrick' Oyler and brothers Johan, Joseph and William settled in these mountains. Opening up a lumber and saw mill, building and farming throughout the centuries. The name changed spelling to Eyler sometime in the 1700's. In 1896 my grandfather Charles Frederick Eyler was born in the valley at the farmhouse just up the road from the church which has been turned into a retreat.
His grandfather Joseph Eyler along with brothers and many neighbors who farmed in the valley built this lil church together on land that was donated right before Civil War came to this area.
My father Charles Edward Eyler one of 9 siblings was born on the farm 1926. Katherine, Roger, Mary, William, Carl, Tomas, Betty, Delores ( Katherine, Mary Roger, William were also born there before they moved to Union Bridge Md) as my grandfather worked on the Western Md Railroad. I do not know when the farm changed hands. Possibly 1940-41.
He was baptized in Eylers Valley Chapel.
My grandmother Helen M Eyler met with Rev Hamerick a local Thurmont pastor, in 1960's wishing the church would open services on Sundays again. Rev Hamerick dedicated himself to Sunday evening services and holidays. Christmas services started to become more and more popular over the years. My grandmother wanted to be baptized in the lil creek that runs through the grounds. Rev Hamerick baptized my grandma in 1972.
He passed away years ago and is buried at the church graveyard overlooking the church.
My grandsons were baptized in the chapel by Rev Hamerick in 1999.
We attend Christmas Eve candlelight services every year. It is most beautiful. Red lit candles, green wreaths and lanterns decorate this beautiful historic church in the Valley. Many speakers come during the Christmas holidays . The church pump organ works and there is gas heating.
I have 2 painting lithographs Rev Hamerick painted and sold many numbered copies in the area.
This popular church fills up very fast, every sermon the weeks before and Christmas Eve.
When we go to the last service Christmas Eve, I always feel as if I have
come " home ".
The song lil brown church in the Wildwood always comes to mind.....
Posted by Susanna E Eyler Stockman Murphy 11/03/2018