Orchard Street United Methodist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Orchard Street United Methodist Church
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Orchard Street United Methodist Church, March 2012
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 Location in Baltimore
Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | 510-512 Orchard St., Baltimore, Maryland |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1837 |
| Architectural style | Renaissance, Romanesque, Italian Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 75002096 |
| Added to NRHP | November 12, 1975 |
The Orchard Street United Methodist Church is a very old and important building in Baltimore, Maryland. It used to be called the Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church. This church is special because it was built by African-Americans. It is the oldest building still standing in Baltimore that was built by African-Americans.
Today, the church building is home to the offices of the Baltimore Urban League. This group works to help people in the community.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
The Orchard Street Church was first built in 1837. Over the years, more parts were added in 1853, 1865, and 1882. The church was started in 1825 by a man named Truman Le Pratt. He was a former slave from the West Indies. He had been a slave of Governor John Eager Howard.
What the Church Looks Like
The church building has a mix of different old styles. The main part of the church looks like the Romanesque Revival style. This style uses round arches and strong, thick walls. A building at the back of the church also has a Romanesque style. It has a very big Gothic window on one side. Gothic windows are often tall and pointed.
The main part of the church, called the nave, is about 54 feet wide and 75 feet long. It has special windows high up on the walls called clerestory windows. These windows let in lots of light. The building at the back is about 50 feet wide and 75 feet long.
An Important Organ
Inside the church, there is a very old pipe organ. It was made in 1890 by a company called Niemann. This organ is a special part of the church's history.
Saving a Historic Landmark
The Orchard Street United Methodist Church is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it is a place that is worth protecting because of its history.
At one point, the church was in danger of being torn down. But a brave woman named Lena King Lee helped save it. She was a politician who worked in the Maryland House of Delegates. Her efforts made sure this important piece of history stayed standing.
