“To Better Serve Our Congregation and the Community for the Building of Christ’s Kingdom"
Each one should use whatever gift
he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace
in various forms
1 Peter 4:10
Methodism, introduced to America by John Wesley over one hundred years before the Civil War, included active Black participation in its early societies and took a strong stand against slavery. The proximity of Freetown Road and Atholton School (for Negro children) to Locust Chapel suggests church activity predating the Emancipation Proclamation and the first ordination of Black Methodist preachers at a conference in Baltimore, Maryland, October 27‑31, 1864.
On August 10, 1869, a deed was drawn up in which Mr. Jeremiah Wilson, for the sum of twenty‑five dollars ($25.00), granted one half acre of land at Locust's present site to the Trustees of "Locust Chapel" upon which to build a house of worship. On November 3, 1871, this same deed was drawn up again. Both deeds appear to have been recorded in land records of Howard County and the State of Maryland. The two deeds do not differ in substance; however, the earlier deed contains deletions and corrections. The second deed contains more legal language and is free of changes.
On May 25, 1871, (between the dates of the two deeds), Mrs. Annie Carr presented to Locust Chapel a Bible with an inscription on the fly leaf that reads "May the Blessings of God be upon this church." Mrs. Carr's prayers were fulfilled on November 3, 1871, when Mr. Jeremiah Wilson (again) made the land gift for the erection of a house of worship. The Trustees on both deeds were Isaac Holland, Wilson Holland, and Jerry Wilson.
Building Project
Welcome to our church, a vibrant and welcoming United Methodist congregation with a proud 155-year history. As a small church with a predominantly African American demographic, we embrace a spirit of warmth and inclusivity, extending our welcome to all individuals who seek a place of worship and community. Our commitment to being active in the community is reflected in our recent addition of cutting-edge technology to our church facilities, enhancing our ability to serve and connect with others. While we honor our rich heritage, we are also focused on looking forward, continually evolving to meet the needs of our congregation and the wider community. Join us as we celebrate our past and look towards a bright future together.
Building for God's Kingdom
Building for Our Congregation
Building for Our Community
Our Location:
We are located at 6851 Martin Road
(corner of Martin Road and Freetown Road)
Columbia, MD 21044
(410) 531-5323
Service Times:
Sunday Worship Service - Locust UMC
Worship with us at 10:00 AM Sunday
