The History of Eastern United
Methodist Church
Methodist Church
On November 30, 1875,under the supervision of the Trustees of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church of Baltimore, Maryland, Eastern Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church began. It was called Asbury Chapel, with it's location on McElderry Street near Patterson Park Avenue. In what was then called Leechville. In 1884, the church was formally organized with Rev. Alfred Valentine as pastor and the following trustees: Williams Perkins,John Morgan, Samuel Anderson, John Stepney, Lewis Stepney, Davis Wilson, and Charles Dockins. Growing slowly, Eastern became self-sustaining and was renamed Eastern Methodist Episcopal Church, dropping the word, "Chapel" from her name.
In 1945, the conference considered closing Eastern. Under the untiring and relentless effort of Rev. Albert Hammond Sr. and Rev. Dallas I. Fowler, eastern once again pulled through. Eastern moved under the leadership of Rev. Beverly M. Hargrove to the corner of North Eden and East Hoffman Streets. Here Eastern came alive with a bright future ahead. It was a time of growth. The next pastor, Rev. Charles S. Briggs, with his organizational "know-how" helped to put the church on solid ground. His ministry laid the ground work for future development. As Rev. Briggs was leaving the active ministry, in 1956 Rev. Calvin P. Crosson, began his appointment as pastor. Under his highly spiritual and energetic leadership, Eastern moved again to a better equipped edifice at Wolfe and 20th Streets and evidenced financial and spiritual growth.The next two decades ushered in a time of change and growth. Rev.Lovell Parham, with a driving spirit, led the church through a successful "Out-of-Debt" campaign. The uniting of the Evangelical Brethren and the Methodist Church brought out the United Methodist Church. With Revs. Brockington, Luckett and McLellan, Eastern made further financial and spiritual growth with the growing membership.
On the move again, Eastern marched from Wolfe and 20th Streets to North Avenue and Caroline Street in June of 1978. The minister, Rev. Eugene Glover, and his church presented the congregation with new challenges: more community outreach; more spiritual growth with the membership; and effective use of the structure.
Eastern United Methodist Church, under the capable guidance of Rev. Clarence Weaks, began to strategize how it could survive and be of service to the community in the 1980's and still continue to motivate the entire membership toward effective stewardship, outreach, mission, evangelism, togetherness and above all, spiritual growth, emphasizing daily life of caring, sharing, serving and sacrificing. This we owe to our forefathers and to the future so that progress and growth can be continued.
In 1984, Rev.G. Sylvester Gaines was appointed pastor. The congregation formulated a church-wide purpose which was the catalyst for many activities. Rev. Gaines involved more lay participation in the planning and executing of church activities. With Rev. John P. Carter's arrival in 1988, the congregation planned and executed major renovations and cleaning projects to the church. Rev. carter also helped to coordinate the Soup Kitchen and the Neighborhood Health Fair.Three interim pastors, Revs. Coleman,Creek, and Peters Sr., were appointed in 1993. Rev. Paula Payne encouraged the congregation to participate in the Disciple Bible Study and to travel to the Holy Land. In 1995, Rev. Constance C. Smith was appointed pastor. Her spirit-filled sermons inspired the congregation to embark on projects that extended their mission to the community.
In July 2005, Rev. Lena Marie Dennis began a highly spiritual and challenging pastorate at Eastern United Methodist Church. Pastor Dennis initiated a program of revitalization of the congregation, the edifice and the community. bible studies that empowered the different age groups and ministries were instituted and taught by Pastor Dennis. The Chairperson of the ministries/committees used the "Leadership Bible Study" to develop skills and attitudes for a good leader. Many Seniors of the Church studied the Bible giving them new and thought-provoking insights in their daily life.using the book,"What the bible is All about." On Wednesday nights, Pastor Dennis led readings and discussions of the Bible and the book,"Adventure Guide" bringing many spiritual nuggets. As new members joined the Church, Pastor Dennis and a team taught the history of Eastern United Methodist Church along with facts about Methodism. Under the leadership of Pastor Dennis, the Christian Education Team and volunteers reorganized The Children's Sunday School. Involving the Lay Leader and the Lay Speakers, Pastor Dennis encouraged the Lay Speakers to continue to serve as Liturgists for the Worship Service, to take Holy Communion and tapes of the morning Services to the sick and shut-ins and to deliver the messages on Sunday when she was not available. Keeping abreast of the needs of the Church building, Rev. Dennis worked with the Trustees on major projects that will keep the Church building clean, safe and attractive for worship. The Banner Ministry makes and parades colorful banners on the first Sunday. The banners help to motivate everyone for worship. Rev. Dennis, an active member of the United Methodist Women, attends Prayer Breakfasts at different churches,participates in Assemblies in different states and is a member of the book club.
In July 2014, our new pastor Rev. Thomas "Jay" Blake was welcome into our congregation and our heart. With a new purpose to reach out and enfold the community surrounding our church, teaching and preaching God's word with simplicity.Letting us know that God loves us and wants to take care of us. Rev. Jay want members and the community to know that when you enter Eastern, be ready to experience Jesus for yourself, because this is the place to meet him.
We are proud to still have with us, to carry on God's work, many of the members, families, and friends who worshiped when the church was located on McElderry Street. The history of Eastern is rich and the roots are deep with vision and Dedication and prayer as the seeds from which faith,commitment and love have borne Eastern through the good times and the bad times. Eastern will continue to combine tradition with it's contemporary dreams and hopes for today and tomorrow. At Eastern, one can worship and serve God in simple faith which can then express itself in humble consecrated service to the community.
In 1945, the conference considered closing Eastern. Under the untiring and relentless effort of Rev. Albert Hammond Sr. and Rev. Dallas I. Fowler, eastern once again pulled through. Eastern moved under the leadership of Rev. Beverly M. Hargrove to the corner of North Eden and East Hoffman Streets. Here Eastern came alive with a bright future ahead. It was a time of growth. The next pastor, Rev. Charles S. Briggs, with his organizational "know-how" helped to put the church on solid ground. His ministry laid the ground work for future development. As Rev. Briggs was leaving the active ministry, in 1956 Rev. Calvin P. Crosson, began his appointment as pastor. Under his highly spiritual and energetic leadership, Eastern moved again to a better equipped edifice at Wolfe and 20th Streets and evidenced financial and spiritual growth.The next two decades ushered in a time of change and growth. Rev.Lovell Parham, with a driving spirit, led the church through a successful "Out-of-Debt" campaign. The uniting of the Evangelical Brethren and the Methodist Church brought out the United Methodist Church. With Revs. Brockington, Luckett and McLellan, Eastern made further financial and spiritual growth with the growing membership.
On the move again, Eastern marched from Wolfe and 20th Streets to North Avenue and Caroline Street in June of 1978. The minister, Rev. Eugene Glover, and his church presented the congregation with new challenges: more community outreach; more spiritual growth with the membership; and effective use of the structure.
Eastern United Methodist Church, under the capable guidance of Rev. Clarence Weaks, began to strategize how it could survive and be of service to the community in the 1980's and still continue to motivate the entire membership toward effective stewardship, outreach, mission, evangelism, togetherness and above all, spiritual growth, emphasizing daily life of caring, sharing, serving and sacrificing. This we owe to our forefathers and to the future so that progress and growth can be continued.
In 1984, Rev.G. Sylvester Gaines was appointed pastor. The congregation formulated a church-wide purpose which was the catalyst for many activities. Rev. Gaines involved more lay participation in the planning and executing of church activities. With Rev. John P. Carter's arrival in 1988, the congregation planned and executed major renovations and cleaning projects to the church. Rev. carter also helped to coordinate the Soup Kitchen and the Neighborhood Health Fair.Three interim pastors, Revs. Coleman,Creek, and Peters Sr., were appointed in 1993. Rev. Paula Payne encouraged the congregation to participate in the Disciple Bible Study and to travel to the Holy Land. In 1995, Rev. Constance C. Smith was appointed pastor. Her spirit-filled sermons inspired the congregation to embark on projects that extended their mission to the community.
In July 2005, Rev. Lena Marie Dennis began a highly spiritual and challenging pastorate at Eastern United Methodist Church. Pastor Dennis initiated a program of revitalization of the congregation, the edifice and the community. bible studies that empowered the different age groups and ministries were instituted and taught by Pastor Dennis. The Chairperson of the ministries/committees used the "Leadership Bible Study" to develop skills and attitudes for a good leader. Many Seniors of the Church studied the Bible giving them new and thought-provoking insights in their daily life.using the book,"What the bible is All about." On Wednesday nights, Pastor Dennis led readings and discussions of the Bible and the book,"Adventure Guide" bringing many spiritual nuggets. As new members joined the Church, Pastor Dennis and a team taught the history of Eastern United Methodist Church along with facts about Methodism. Under the leadership of Pastor Dennis, the Christian Education Team and volunteers reorganized The Children's Sunday School. Involving the Lay Leader and the Lay Speakers, Pastor Dennis encouraged the Lay Speakers to continue to serve as Liturgists for the Worship Service, to take Holy Communion and tapes of the morning Services to the sick and shut-ins and to deliver the messages on Sunday when she was not available. Keeping abreast of the needs of the Church building, Rev. Dennis worked with the Trustees on major projects that will keep the Church building clean, safe and attractive for worship. The Banner Ministry makes and parades colorful banners on the first Sunday. The banners help to motivate everyone for worship. Rev. Dennis, an active member of the United Methodist Women, attends Prayer Breakfasts at different churches,participates in Assemblies in different states and is a member of the book club.
In July 2014, our new pastor Rev. Thomas "Jay" Blake was welcome into our congregation and our heart. With a new purpose to reach out and enfold the community surrounding our church, teaching and preaching God's word with simplicity.Letting us know that God loves us and wants to take care of us. Rev. Jay want members and the community to know that when you enter Eastern, be ready to experience Jesus for yourself, because this is the place to meet him.
We are proud to still have with us, to carry on God's work, many of the members, families, and friends who worshiped when the church was located on McElderry Street. The history of Eastern is rich and the roots are deep with vision and Dedication and prayer as the seeds from which faith,commitment and love have borne Eastern through the good times and the bad times. Eastern will continue to combine tradition with it's contemporary dreams and hopes for today and tomorrow. At Eastern, one can worship and serve God in simple faith which can then express itself in humble consecrated service to the community.