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Metropolitan United Methodist Church, Severn MD
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A Beacon Of God's Love

History

 
Metropolitan United Methodist Church (MUMC), Severn, Maryland: Founded in the year 1917,  Metropolitan’s first church building was erected at the corner of Quarterfield and Queenstown Roads. Metropolitan began as part of a three-church circuit: Metropolitan, St. Mark of Harmans, and John Wesley of Furnace Branch.  
 
Approximately 150 men, women and children attend Metropolitan, the Community Church. We are committed to helping each other grow in our Christian faith and in our worship and service of God. We believe that all people need Jesus and as a church we have found that faith in Him makes a difference in our everyday lives.
 
Roots - 1917: We are who we are. Metropolitan United Methodist Church, Severn, Maryland, was founded in 11917. It grew out of a series of meeting, the first in the home of Gran and Laura Gaither. At subsequent meetings during the same year, founding fathers, Willie Edwards, Howard Gaither, George Hall, Rufus Harrod, Charles Wallace, drafted building and organizational plans at the home of Elzina and Howard Gaither. The lay meetings were the genesis. It is befitting that their Christian purpose indentify them as the first church. The first church building was erected at the corner of Quarterfield and Queenstown Roads. The church began as part of a three-church circuit: Metropolitan, St. Marks of Harmans, and John Wesley of Furnace Branch. The first minister appointed by the Methodist Conference was the Reverend W. H. Holt. He envisioned greatness for the little church and so named it after the long established, ever growing Metropolitan United Methodist Church of Baltimore City.
Program Development - 1940’s: The three-church circuit became the two-church circuit of Metropolitan and St. John’s of Patapsco. Progress continued, and in time, Metropolitan became a stable and financially solvent religious institution, no longer part of a circuit.
Facility Expansion - 1950’s: Congregation and program grew. To accommodate that growth, the church building was enlarged during the 1940’s and 1950’s. During the ministry of the Reverend James E. Adams, ongoing funding for ongoing remodeling became a priority. The Reverend Silas J. Mack continued the emphasis and established the church’s building fund under the leadership of Lawrence Wells.
New Vision-Philosophy of Methodist Unity - 1950’s and 1970’s: Growth begot growth. During the ministry of the Reverend Leon H. White, the building committee was established and organized. Melvin Kelly was chairperson, and members were Florence Blackwell, Marie Burley, William C. Burley, Ernest Eldridge, William Oden, Lawrence Wells, and the Reverend Leon H. White. It was during this period that the Methodist Church embraced the philosophy of United Methodism in print and in practice. And, thus, Metropolitan Methodist Church became Metropolitan United Methodist Church. It also was during this period that James I. Johnson, chairperson of the trustees, completed negotiations for survey and purchase of the present site of Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Severn. The ground breaking ceremony was held November 1976, and the mortgage burning was celebrated April 1985.
Enhanced Direction – Local and World - 1980’s: Metropolitan’s first full-time pastor, Reverend Gerald A. Green, encouraged and strengthened local church vitality along wth active community involvement. The church’s monthly publication, Glossolalia, the Children’s Moment, the North County Emergency Outreach Network (NCEON), and the church’s strategic planning emphasis are continuing focal points from that ministry. Metropolitan United Methodist Church enjoys a rich history. Founded in prayer and focused upon the church community and the community of the church, that history continues with the current pastor, the Reverend Dr. LaRessa C. Smith.
The Vision-church Programs and Laity Service and Leadership - 1990’s: The Reverend LaReesa C. Smith delivered her first sermon at Metropolitan United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 5, 1992. During her watch, the church has instituted formal and extensive Bible Study, renamed the church’s monthly publication from Glossolalia to Metropolitan’s Voice, inaugurated the hymn of the month, extended the communion to present the consecrated elements both as individual offering and intinction, encouraged the lay presence during the liturgy, promoted interest in lay speaking, supported and incorporated a regular lay directed finance awareness seminar, and focused upon the past continuing abilities, efforts, services and contributions of the senior members of the congregation. The eighty plus year existence of Metropolitan United Methodist Church is but a preamble to its continuing rich history.
Program Expansion - 2000’s: Metropolitan United Methodist Church happily continues its spiritual advancement and enhancement. During the current decade, MUMC is enjoying eight groups: Senior Choir, Adams’ Chorus, Metropolitan Inspirational Choir, Wesleyan Choir, Children’s Choir, Men’s Chorus, Voices of Metropolitan, and a liturgical dance group. The MUMC lawn signboard has evolved into a community signboard ministry. Also, for the first time in its rich history, MUMC offers two Sunday morning services. September 14, 2003, is the official date of the first 8 a.m. worship. The 11 a.m. worship continues. Metropolitan United Methodist Church continues its spiritual journey into the first decade of the twenty-first century. Significant developments of year 2004 include the following: A youth instrumental music ministry has incorporated into every service and accompanies every singing group; An energetic youth presence enhances the church lay speaking efforts; Plenary discussions on the addition to and/or expansion of the church building are ongoing. The Reverend LaReesa C. Smith, appointed July 1992, continues as pastor in the first decade of the twenty-first century.
Watch 2006 - 2010: Metropolitan United Methodist Church was defined by the vision of the Reverend Dr. Willie Otto Kent. Rev. Kent channeled energy into every ministry, and he was singularly expedient. He vigorously embraced the capability of technology from simulcast in the pews during services to cablecast in the homes. He made the community his doorstep, encouraging neighbors and organizations in all aspects of human endeavor civic, social, political, and religious. He was a constant presence. For MUMC, Rev. Kent pronounced 2011 the “breakthrough year.” In Sunday sermons and monthly newsletters, he outlined the vision: weekend worship - conducting continuous praise and service; evangelism and assimilation – attracting people to MUMC and moving them from visitation to membership; mobilization – developing extravagant givers and responsible leaders. Evaluation – examining on regular basis church and program effectiveness. Rev. Kent continued the history of the watches of MUMC, the constancy of progress and promise.
January 2011: The MUMC family, congregation, and community sorrowed and rejoiced as one at the going home celebration for Reverend Dr. Willie Otto Kent. “O give thanks to the lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136).” In July 2011, the Reverend Frances Waldren Steward began the continuing MUMC watch.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The 2006 - 2010 watch of Metropolitan United Methodist Church (MUMC) was defined by the vision of the Reverend Dr. Willie Otto Kent. Rev. Kent channeled energy into every ministry, and he was singularly expedient. He vigorously embraced the capability of technology from simulcast in the pews during services to cablecast in the homes. He made the community his doorstep, encouraging neighbors and organizations in all aspects of human endeavor civic, social, political, and religious. He was a constant presence.
 
For MUMC, Rev. Kent pronounced 2011 the "breakthrough year." In Sunday sermons and monthly newsletters, he outlined the vision: weekend worship - conducting continuous praise and service: evangelism and assimilation - attracting people to MUMC and moving them from imitation to membership; mobilization - developing extravagant givers and responsible leaders. Evaluation - examining on regular basis church and program effectiveness.
 
Rev. Kent continued the history of the watches of MUMC, the constancy of progress and promise. In January 2011, MUMC family, congregation, and community sorrowed and rejoiced as one at the going home celebration for Reverend Dr. Willie Otto Kent.
 
"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 136)."
 
In July 2011, the Reverend Frances Waldren Stewart began the continuing MUMC watch.