Perkins Memorial Church

Gazing upon Perkins Memorial Church, one can almost hear the echoes of its rich history. Perkins Memorial Church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community. In 1861, amidst the turmoil of the Civil War, several families branched off from Pleasant Grove Meeting House. They embarked on a mission to build a new sanctuary on land donated from the Perkins farm in Glennville, now Glenn Dale. Due to wartime shortages, the dedication of Perkins Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church wasn’t realized until 1869. Initially part of the Bladensburg Circuit, Perkins Chapel shared ministry with Lanham and Bowie Methodist Churches. By 1945, it established independence from Lanham, and thirteen years later, became a separate entity from Bowie, finally securing its own minister. The congregation flourished, outgrowing the original “church in the wildwood.” In 1965, a new brick church was erected downhill from the chapel and dedicated as Perkins Memorial. This marked a new chapter, but the story didn’t end there. In 1971, Perkins Memorial merged with Dorsey Chapel, an African-American congregation, giving rise to Glenn Dale United Methodist Church. This union wove together two vibrant legacies into a multicultural tapestry of faith. Perkins Memorial Church, though no longer a standalone entity, remains a cornerstone in the community’s spiritual journey. Its legacy continues to inspire, a reminder of the resilience, growth, and unity found within its walls.