Our History
“It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden, and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches” (Luke 13:19)
Our History
“It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden, and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches” (Luke 13:19)
Epworth United Methodist Chapel traces its history back to 1956, as a part of the expanding mission and vision of Walbrook Methodist Church in west Baltimore. On November 6, 1952, a motion was passed at the congregational meeting of Walbrook Methodist Church that “a lot be purchased in the Liberty Road area for the purpose of extending the cause of Christ and for a future location of Walbrook Methodist Church.”
A lot was selected at the corner of Liberty Road and St. Lukes Lane. Building of the first chapel commenced in 1955 and was completed in early 1956. Epworth Methodist Chapel was consecrated on November 4, 1956 and worship began. On May 24, 1959, Walbrook Methodist Church conducted its final Homecoming service, and later that year Walbrook Methodist Church merged with Epworth Methodist Chapel in a joint consecration service.
At its inception, Epworth Chapel’s membership was comprised entirely of European American persons. However, African Americans were never excluded and were encouraged to attend in ever increasing numbers. In 1968 Mrs. Nettie Peay became the first African American accepted into full membership. Mr. Marshall Brookes joined Epworth in 1969, and is still active in the life of the congregation. Since those early years, Epworth’s congregation has reflected the changing demographics of its community on the Liberty Road corridor, and has become a predominantly Black, multicultural congregation with membership representing persons born in the U.S. and those from at least 15 countries from Africa, the Caribbean and South America.
Epworth Chapel UMC celebrated its 50th Anniversary on November 19, 2006 with recognition of its ministerial accomplishments and outreach programs, and in September 2016 celebrated its 60th year of faithful, fruitful ministry in northwest Baltimore County, with the theme “60 Years of Blessings”. During its history, Epworth Chapel has had 13 persons who have served under pastoral appointment
In 1982, Rev. Marcus Matthews was the first African-American pastor appointed to Epworth Chapel. During his four-year tenure, the church went through significant racial transition, and 272 new members (mostly African Americans) were received. Rev. Dr. Matthews was elected and consecrated as a Bishop of the United Methodist Church on the first ballot by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in Syracuse, New York in July 2004.
In 1986, Rev. Dr. Horace L. Wallace was appointed as pastor and served Epworth Chapel for 25 years. During Dr. Wallace’s tenure, the church continued to experience growth in membership and improvements in the areas of financial stability and stewardship. Additionally, a new worship celebration was added, the Gospel Choir was started, construction on the Wallace Center was completed, and the Epworth Chapel School of Christian Life and Learning was founded in October 2008.
In July 2011, the pastoral leadership was entrusted to Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, a former District Superintendent in Baltimore. At the same time, Epworth Chapel welcomed Rev. Kelly L. Grimes as associate pastor and the first woman appointed to serve as pastor. During Dr. Hunt’s tenure as pastor, Epworth Chapel has experienced renewed vitality as evidenced by significant growth in worship attendance and membership (with over 175 persons joining the church), expansion of program ministries, facility improvements, and engagement in a major strategic planning process (“Epworth 2020”) and organizational restructuring.
Today, Epworth Chapel continues to be a vital, multigenerational, multicultural congregation, and continues to live out its mission “to make disciples of Jesus Christ and make a difference for the transformation of our community and the world through ministries of excellence, engagement and effectiveness.” Epworth has over 600 active members, with over 50 active ministries. Ongoing ministries supported by the church include a thriving Sunday School, the SOUL Café (Sunday fellowship meal), multiple Bible studies (two of which are taught by the pastor) and small groups, Male and Female Mentoring Groups, ongoing support of the Westside Men’s Shelter, the Night of Peace Family Shelter in partnership with Salem UMC, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, “It Takes a Village” – a partnership with Woodmoor Elementary School, the “Fishes and Loaves” Community meal, providing food and clothing for needy families, and Harvest (Praise and Worship Team).
We remain steadfast in our commitment to being a beacon of light and hope in our west Baltimore County community, and helping to transform lives through vital, celebrative worship, relevant faith-development in discipleship, radical hospitality in fellowship, extravagant generosity in mission, and life-transforming faith-sharing and evangelism. As we reflect on our 64 years of ministry, we are grateful to God for all that has been accomplished, and we look forward with hope to the bright future that God has in store for us.
Pastoral Appointments During Epworth’s History
1954-1956
1956-1957
1957-1964
1964-1972
1972-1978
1972-1978
1979-1982
1982-1986
1986-2011
2011- 2015
2017-2021
2020-Present