St. Luke's Fellowship Hall
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church‘s Fellowship Hall is adjacent to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Erected in in 1898 by the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows as their lodge hall. The Odd Fellows provided assistance to widows, orphans, and those in need in the African American community.
The hall was purchased in 1941 by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church which converted the Lodge into a community Center and later into a Fellowship Hall. The Hall became the meeting place for the social activities and events in the surrounding Black Community. Activities included movie night, Girl Scouts, Masonic meetings and social dances. The second floor was rented out to local community organizations.
Over time the Hall fell into disrepair and was slated to be torn down due to declining membership and a lack of financial resources to maintain the building. When the historical significance of the building was rediscovered the decision was reversed and a grant was written for and awarded to restore the Hall.
The Hall is listed as a Maryland Historic Property by the Maryland Historical Trust and is located in the Reisterstown Historic District. It is also a stop on the Reisterstown Heritage Trail. The Hall is recognized as part of a post civil war emancipation settlement comprised of a historic church which at one time included a colored School house.
Today the Hall continues to provide community outreach services and activities. There is no charge to nonprofit organizations to use the building and it is accessible for public events.
The hall was purchased in 1941 by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church which converted the Lodge into a community Center and later into a Fellowship Hall. The Hall became the meeting place for the social activities and events in the surrounding Black Community. Activities included movie night, Girl Scouts, Masonic meetings and social dances. The second floor was rented out to local community organizations.
Over time the Hall fell into disrepair and was slated to be torn down due to declining membership and a lack of financial resources to maintain the building. When the historical significance of the building was rediscovered the decision was reversed and a grant was written for and awarded to restore the Hall.
The Hall is listed as a Maryland Historic Property by the Maryland Historical Trust and is located in the Reisterstown Historic District. It is also a stop on the Reisterstown Heritage Trail. The Hall is recognized as part of a post civil war emancipation settlement comprised of a historic church which at one time included a colored School house.
Today the Hall continues to provide community outreach services and activities. There is no charge to nonprofit organizations to use the building and it is accessible for public events.
