A building was started in 1849 and finished in 1859. It faced a small unnamed land; one side was turned upon Forktown-Shadpoint Road. Thus came into existence the newly organized Methodist Episcopal Church at Forktown.
On May 13, 1859, a memorable day in the history of this church, that portion of the original grant on which the church now stood was transferred by deed the the trustees of the church.
In April, 1873, the U.S. Post Office made the choice of changing Forktown to Fruitland since Forktown had little meaning to its people and the village lay very near the center of one of the greatest berry (strawberry) producing zones on the Shore.
Although as late as 1898, improvements had been made to the original church to keep it in good condition, these proved to be "inadequate with the present day" and plans were laid to erect a new church building. A Building Committee was appointed and after many trials and tribulations, the new church was completed and dedicated eary in 1900.
The church continued to grow and finally, in 1907, the first Ladies Aid Society of the church was organized. Later, all Methodist women's organizations were unified into the Women's Cociety of Chrustian Service on the 1940, after the three great branches of Methodism had been united into one great Methodist church around the world.
In the year 1916, the church of Fruitland had become so aware of its children and youth and their needs, that an addition was built on the side of the building. But by 1937, the church was "busting at its seams" so a second story was added to the wing of 1916. The auditorium was extended, a new choir and chancel was designed and the present seating arrangement was chosen. At the opening services of this lastest remodeling an new Hammond organ was dedicated.
By the 1950's, St. John's had once again grown beyond its present walls and more space as needed. The new educational wing was built, two stories high. It included offices, a Prayer room, Sunday School rooms, a hall with stage, kitchen and necessary facilities. This building was dedicated in 1957 and is in great use today. In fact, the entire church, we feel is one to be very proud of. It is a member of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference and has in excess of 360 members.
