Hall United Methodist Church

In 1878, a spark ignited within a group of Christian workers gathered near the intersection of Nabbs Creek and Solley Road. This spark, kindled during a “Bush Meeting” at the home of Mr. Saunders, would eventually illuminate Hall United Methodist Church. Hall United Methodist Church stands as a beacon of faith and resilience. It first served the Freetown community, a refuge for free slaves and others amidst a landscape dominated by slaveholders in Marley Neck and Elvaton. Before Hall United Methodist Church, the only option for worship was a long journey to Mount Zion Magothy United Methodist Church. William H. Hall’s generosity in 1886 provided the land for the church. The original Hall Chapel, just thirty feet by twenty feet, rested on stone pillars and became a cornerstone of the community. Its growth necessitated expansion. After a fire destroyed the Marley Neck School in 1890, the church also served as a school. The church officially incorporated as Hall United Methodist Episcopal Church in 1898. A significant renovation in 1926, largely funded by Margaret Howard’s Railroad Rally, modernized the church. Electric lights finally arrived in 1932 during Reverend James Green’s tenure. He served both Hall United Methodist Church and Mount Zion Magothy Church, a common practice then, with alternating service times. In 1940, the church acquired a hall from the Odd Fellows Lodge. Further renovations in 1956 added a pastor’s study, choir and communion rooms. Beautiful memorial windows graced the sanctuary between 1958 and 1961. A major transformation occurred under Reverend Harry E. Dixon in 1970. A new education building, restrooms, a library, and a renovated sanctuary marked this era. The mortgage was burned in 1981. However, tragedy struck in 1984 when the church was condemned. The congregation temporarily relocated to Mount Zion Magothy Church under Reverend Julius Ford. Five years later, they triumphantly returned to a new edifice. Reverend Richard Ross Hicks, known for his missionary work in Africa, succeeded Reverend Ford. Reverend Daniel C. Mclellan followed in 1995. A severe snowstorm in 2003 caused significant damage to the education building. This forced the congregation to lease space at Magothy Church briefly. Despite this setback, the resilient congregation returned in the spring of 2003. Reverend Patricia Allen, the first woman pastor in the church’s history, brought spiritual renewal and growth from 2007 to 2015. Outreach ministry thrived under her leadership. Reverend Harry E. Smith Jr. became pastor in 2015. The reopening of the fellowship hall was celebrated later that year. Through trials and triumphs, Hall United Methodist Church continues to serve its community.