Metropolitan United Methodist Church (MUMC) celebrated its 200th anniversary as a historically Black institution in Baltimore on Sept. 13 at Forum Caterers.
Established in the early 19th century, the church came into being at a time when African Americans had to fight for both their physical and religious freedoms. Today, the church serves as one of the city’s most enduring symbols of faith, resilience and purpose. Over the years the church has experienced building and name changes.
Earl Graves, a member of the church and part of the banquet program committee, recounted the church’s early beginnings.
“The Metropolitan United Methodist Church began two centuries ago during slave times. Most freedmen and slaves, as the teachers of the gospel, held these meetings such as prayer or Bible study in secret at various homes in South Baltimore, because such gatherings of Black people were illegal,” Graves said…