Eutaw Methodist Church Ruins Still Standing High Above Herring Run
Baltimore Gneiss, an ancient and extremely strong rock found in the park, was used in construction
On a trek through the streambed in northern Herring Run Park, you might feel dwarfed by the canyon-like formations of the rocky cliffs on either side of you. The rocky cliffs are known as Baltimore Gneiss (pronounced “nice”). This local ancient rock was dug out and used to create multiple buildings along the Herring Run, including the Eutaw Methodist Church. You can see the walls of the church still standing in the park today.
The one-room church was built in 1860 by the owners of the nearby Greens Cotton Mill to serve their paid workers. It was lit by kerosene lamps and heated by two large coal stoves. At the time of its dedication, a news report said that “all the furniture and effects are in keeping with the unpretending yet substantial style of its architecture.”
Part of the Baltimore Methodist Conference, the church was served by circuit riders. It featured Sunday morning and evening services with afternoon Sunday school and midweek prayers. In the autumn, Eutaw Methodist hosted revival meetings.
With the closing of the mill and suburban growth in the late 19th century, the membership separated. In 1908, remaining members purchased a lot in the neighboring Mayfield neighborhood and the new Eutaw Methodist Church formally opened in 1909. In 1910, Baltimore City purchased the church property for $500 as part of Herring Run Park, and to many, it was a shelter for picnics.
Baltimore Gneiss is one of the oldest rocks in Maryland. It was formed about 1.1 billion years ago from pressure and heat, as huge land masses pushed into each other, eventually creating North and South America. The rock is layered with other minerals such as quartz and feldspar, making it extremely strong.
Sources:
Kibler, L. Alice, ed. Women of the Martin Lutheran Church, The Little Church on the Hill. Guild Gleams publisher (September 1967).
http://www.olmstedmaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FMOPL-Bike-Tour-FINAL.pdf Holcomb, The City as Suburb, A History.
Baltimore Gneiss, an ancient and extremely strong rock found in the park, was used in construction
On a trek through the streambed in northern Herring Run Park, you might feel dwarfed by the canyon-like formations of the rocky cliffs on either side of you. The rocky cliffs are known as Baltimore Gneiss (pronounced “nice”). This local ancient rock was dug out and used to create multiple buildings along the Herring Run, including the Eutaw Methodist Church. You can see the walls of the church still standing in the park today.
The one-room church was built in 1860 by the owners of the nearby Greens Cotton Mill to serve their paid workers. It was lit by kerosene lamps and heated by two large coal stoves. At the time of its dedication, a news report said that “all the furniture and effects are in keeping with the unpretending yet substantial style of its architecture.”
Part of the Baltimore Methodist Conference, the church was served by circuit riders. It featured Sunday morning and evening services with afternoon Sunday school and midweek prayers. In the autumn, Eutaw Methodist hosted revival meetings.
With the closing of the mill and suburban growth in the late 19th century, the membership separated. In 1908, remaining members purchased a lot in the neighboring Mayfield neighborhood and the new Eutaw Methodist Church formally opened in 1909. In 1910, Baltimore City purchased the church property for $500 as part of Herring Run Park, and to many, it was a shelter for picnics.
Baltimore Gneiss is one of the oldest rocks in Maryland. It was formed about 1.1 billion years ago from pressure and heat, as huge land masses pushed into each other, eventually creating North and South America. The rock is layered with other minerals such as quartz and feldspar, making it extremely strong.
Sources:
Kibler, L. Alice, ed. Women of the Martin Lutheran Church, The Little Church on the Hill. Guild Gleams publisher (September 1967).
http://www.olmstedmaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FMOPL-Bike-Tour-FINAL.pdf Holcomb, The City as Suburb, A History.
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