The small White Rock Church sits on White Rock Road in Gaither, just outside Sykesville. According to a book on Carroll County Cemeteries compiled by the Carroll County Genealogical Society, "Land for the church was given to the trustees (Joseph Fawset, Philmore Dorsey and Allen Nugent) in 1868 by William and Caroline Pooley." 

The Pooleys are listed in the 1870 census. William managed the Mineral Hill mines. The Pooleys came from England and are buried at Wesley Chapel. They had no children. According to the cemetery book, Alice Costley was the first person buried in the cemetery. There are several graves for people born before the Civil War. Most likely these were born into slavery The earliest date of birth listed in the book is circa 1795.