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 and located on McElderry Street near Patterson Park Avenue. In 1884, the church was formally organized with Rev. Alfred Valentine as pastor. Eastern slowly became self-sustaining and was renamed Eastern Methodist Episcopal Church.

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In 1945, the Conference considered closing Eastern. However, under the efforts of Rev. Albert Hammond, Sr. and Rev. Dallas I. Fowler, Eastern did not close. Under the leadership of Rev. Beverly M. Hargrove, Eastern moved to the corner of North Eden and East Hoffman Streets. The next pastor, Rev. Charles S. Briggs, helped to put the church on solid ground. As Rev. Briggs was leaving the active ministry, Rev. Calvin P. Crosson began his appointment as pastor. Under his leadership, Eastern moved to a better equipped edifice at Wolfe and 20th Streets.

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The next two decades ushered in a time of change and growth. Rev. Lovell Parham led Eastern through a successful "Out-of-Debt" campaign. Eastern became Eastern United Methodist Church with the uniting of the Evangelical Brethren and the Methodist Church. With Revs. Brockington, Luckett and McLellan, Eastern made further financial, spiritual and membership growth.

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On the move again, Eastern marched to North Avenue and Caroline Street in June of 1978 under the leadership of Rev. Eugene Glover. In the 1980's, Eastern UMC was led by Revs. Clarence Weaks, G. Sylvester Gaines and John P. Carter. Later, three interim pastors, Revs. Coleman, Creek and Peters, Sr. were appointed. In 1993, Rev. Paula Payne encouraged the congregation to participate in Disciple Bible Study and travel to the Holy Land. Appointed as pastor in 1995, Rev.

Constance Smith inspired the congregation with her spirit-filled sermons to embark on projects that extended their mission in the community.

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In July 2005, Rev. Lena Marie Dennis began her pastorate at Eastern UMC. Pastor Dennis and initiated programs for revitalizing the congregation, the edifice, community and Bible Studies. She

and a team also taught New Members, Eastern UMC History along with Methodist facts.

 

In July 2014, Rev. Thomas "Jay" Blake was welcomed into Eastern's congregation with a purpose to reach out to the community, teaching and preaching God's word. In 2015, Eastern moved to it's current location on Harford Rd. where it shares the building with Faith Community UMC.

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Rev. Michael A. Carrington, Jr. is a son of Baltimore, MD and a son of Eastern UMC. He joined Eastern as a child in 1998 under the pastorate of Rev. Constance Smith. However, in July 2020, after pastoring two other churches. Rev. Michael was appointed to return to Eastern UMC as its pastor. Rev. Carrington delivers powerful messages through his sermons and Bible Study to the congregation and the community.

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The history of Eastern UMC is rich, and it's roots are deep with vision, dedication and prayer. At Eastern UMC, one can worship and serve GOD in simple faith which expresses its faith in humble consecrated service to the community!!!