History of Chews Memorial United Methodist Church
Our early ancestors experienced their religious services in their homes, in barns, and even in the fields because many of them were farmers. As time went on, local preachers or exhorters became the regular ministers while circuit riders traveled from place to place on horseback preaching the gospel. As years passed, local worshippers had a common desire to build a church of their own.
In 1834, this area was named the West River Circuit. On March 20, 1844, Nathaniel and Martha Chew of Owensville donated (for $1.00) a piece of land to build a place of worship for the use of the “Colored members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.” The deed specified that the church must conform to the rules and discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The deed gave the land for the church to the Board of Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church and their successors. These trustees were members of the Mt. Zion Church on Bayard Road. They were the overseers and some early records of our first church are recorded there. According to the Circuit Meeting Minutes, Chews Chapel, our first church was built and operating by December 1846. This church was named in honor of the donor of the land and was located about a mile from our present site.
On January 19, 1867, members of the West River Circuit met at Mt. Zion Church and resolved to transfer all interest and claim of the church and members. Chews Chapel took ownership of the property. The first church burned around 1907.
The congregation decided to rebuild a larger church to accommodate an increasing number of members, which would require a larger property. On January 26, 1908, members of the Chew family sold for the sum of $100.00 a parcel of land adjoining the first property to Chews Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, which had incorporated by this time. A second church was built on this property along with a lodge or church hall.
In 1914, this second church was paid for and dedicated. From 1914-1946, the second Chews Chapel made great strides in the spiritual growth of the congregation. During those years, the Washington Conference was incorporated and Chews Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church along with Davidsonville formed a charge.
In 1921, Chews Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church was affiliated with the South River Charge which consisted of Chews, Hope, and St. Mark churches. Members of the Charge sacrificed and acquired land to deed to Anne Arundel County to build a new school for the children in the area. Mill Swamp School was built and later was named Ralph Bunche Elementary School.
During the era of this second church and the first, Chews did not have its own full-time pastor, but shared one with the other members of the Charge. The Rev. James E. Roberts served as pastor from 1938-1949.
On Christmas Day 1946, the second church was destroyed by fire. The Lodge Hall was not destroyed at that time. What remains of the church today are the concrete steps and a rusted water pump.
Many local churches opened their doors to Chews’ congregation for worship; however, the Lodge Hall was repaired and members worshipped there. The congregation was without a church but not without faith, hope, and a determination to have a place to worship in this community. Once again, the congregation had to roll up their sleeves, dig into their wallets, and build another church. Some members of the congregation wanted to re-build on the same location and some wanted to move out of the woods to Owensville Road. This caused a division in the congregation.
Rev. James E. Roberts, his wife, Nancy, and the District Superintendent, Rev. Charles E. Johnson, worked hard to soothe the grievances of a divided congregation. Finally, after many meetings, plans for a new church were ready. Gifts from other churches, companies, and individuals, plus pledges from our members made things look brighter. The Washington Conference gave $1,000.00 along with a loan for $7,500.00. Mr. Samuel Neal was successful in persuading two farmers in helping us to acquire land to build our third church on this present site on Owensville Road.
At first, the church officials contracted the work to be done, but discovered that things were not being done satisfactorily. The men of the church decided to build this church themselves. Mr. George Neal supervised the building of the church. The Women Society of Christian Service served hot food to the builders and helped with fundraising activities.
Within twenty months, we were ready to move into the third Chews Church. Our first service was held in August 1948. The church was now known as Chews Memorial Methodist Church. Rev. James E. Roberts, who had given many years of dedicated service to Chews (1938-1949), asked for an extension of a year over his retirement age to help us catch up on our bills. He retired in 1949.
In 1949, Rev. Charles V. Smith was appointed to serve as pastor to the South River Charge (Chews, Hope, and St. Mark). This was a challenging year: a new church, a new pastor, a heavy debt, no money in the treasury, winter approaching, a need for furniture to complete the church, and the loss of many members. Rev. Smith convinced the congregation that with faith the challenges could be met. He consoled the congregation by telling them not to worry about his salary until the budget was balanced and our obligations were met. The sum of $102.00 per month was paid toward the church for 8 years. The church was paid for 18 months ahead of time.
Under Rev. Charles V. Smith’s leadership (1949-1968), many improvements were made to the church: new pews, converting of the heating system from coal to fuel oil, a kitchen range, rain sprouts, rest rooms, and purchasing of cemetery land. Mrs. Alice Mackell and others sponsored the running water system. The Choirs purchased rugs. The Ushers sponsored the Baptismal Fount. The Triangle Community Club sponsored a drive for pulpit furniture and the cleaning of the cemetery. The Methodist Men and the Women Society of Christian Service sponsored Men’s Day and Women’s Day as major fundraisers.
After Rev. Charles Smith’s retirement in 1968, Rev. Lewis E. Wise became the pastor of the South River Charge. He was the first pastor to live in the new parsonage which was built during his term by Mr. George Pettigrew. A new furnace and an air conditioner were installed in the church. The United Choir was organized with the help of Mr. Thomas Brown. Mr. Hilton Maynard was the director and Mr. Donald Hunt was the pianist.
During this time, the Baltimore and Washington Conferences combined and the church was known as Chews United Methodist Church.
In June 1974, Rev. Leon C. Kess, Jr., was appointed to the South River Charge. Many new members joined under his leadership. The Chews Gospelaires were organized as a young singing group. The church purchased a bus and a ramp was installed in front of the church for our disabled members and visitors. During Rev. Kess’ term, three young members became student ministers and later were assigned to churches of their own. They were Rev. Charles Collins, Rev. Richard Johnson, III and Rev. Jeffrey Smith.
In 1983, we again stepped out on faith and decided to separate from the other two churches on the South River Charge. Rev. Charlie Baskerville, Jr., was appointed to serve as our pastor. It was under Rev. Baskerville’s administration that the parsonage was purchased from the Charge. The Angelic Voices (a children’s choir) and Junior Ushers were organized. A Children’s sermon segment was also added to the morning worship service. A church newsletter was published periodically to inform members of church news.
In June 1986, Rev. Donna Smith was appointed to serve as pastor to Chews. She was the first woman to serve in this position at our church. Rev. Smith conducted confirmation and bible study classes. She also organized a young adult choir and was their pianist. During her term, new carpet, draperies, cushions and hymnals were purchased. A church directory was published with the help of Mrs. Glendola Salisbury and Mrs. Vanessa Turner. We also lost our church musician, Mr. Thomas Thomas, who had served our church for over 40 years. After his death, Mr. Raymond Brown, a member of Chews became our church musician. He provided music for the Chancellor Choir, the Women’s Choir, the Gospelaires, the Angelic Voices, the Men’s Choir and the Goodwill Chorus. Rev. Donna Smith’s term at Chews ended in 1992.
Rev. Shirley Carrington was appointed in June 1992 to serve as pastor to Chews. She conducted confirmation and bible study classes. She also enjoyed singing and playing the organ. Rev. Carrington added a “Time for Children” segment to the morning worship service. A second church directory was published. Some structural improvements were also made during Rev. Carrington’s term at Chews such as: the parking area was paved, an addition to the basement, an elevator, restrooms, coat closets, new windows and shutters and a brick veneer front exterior.
A major task of reconstructing the kitchen was sponsored by Mrs. Alice Brown as Chairperson and Mr. Raymond Brown as Co-Chairperson. This project started during the time that Rev. Carrington was the pastor.
Rev. Carrington’s service ended in 2004.
A new pastor, Rev. Willie Mae Parker, was assigned to become the pastor at Chews in June 2004. She held classes for new members, Adult Vacation Bible School and confirmation. She always expressed her appreciation for the lay leaders and lay speakers. She also would praise the choirs for their music ministry. She served Chews from 2004-2008.
Rev. Brenda J. Mack was appointed to serve as pastor to our church in June 2008. She was ordained as an Elder June 4, 2010. Rev. Mack and the congregation experienced the burning of the mortgage on November 16, 2008 for the church renovation project that took place before her assignment. There were some changes in the music ministry. We lost our church musician, Mr. Raymond Brown. Some of our choirs combined to form the Unity Choir, with Ms. Sharnae Wallace as the Directress, Mr. Douglas Gray (DJ) - Pianist and Mr. Matthew Parker - Drummer.
Under Rev. Mack's administration, the Lay Servants took on more active roles in the worship services. Sometimes, they would read the scriptures as a Speech Choir.
Rev. Mack also organized groups for Intercessory and Mobile Prayer ministry.
In 2013, Chews and Carters United Methodist Churches were combined as a Charge by the conference. Rev. Mack pastored both churches until her retirement in 2017.
Our present Pastor, Rev. Valerie A. Barnes, was assigned to the Charge of Chews and Carters in June 2017. She is a teaching Pastor and uses a variety of motivational aids in delivering her messages. She emphasizes in her teachings that God has work for each of us to do only what we do for Christ will last. She encourages us to engage in Bible Study, be faithful in worshipping, be generous in giving and to come together in fellowship. These are all marks of a disciple. Rev. Barnes has also taught workshops for Project: Hope Now and Spiritual Gifts.
Under Rev. Barnes' leadership, there are opportunities for leadership training sessions. There has also been a reorganization of the Nurses' unit.
We have experienced some changes in our Music ministry. We have lost a pianist, a drummer and a choir director. We have welcomed Mrs. Jackie as our church musician and Rev. Barnes as the director for the Men's Chorus.
Our church is involved in several outreach projects such as: Flood Buckets, Personal items for Women in prison, Pennies for Potatoes, School Supplies, Coat Drive, Sandwiches for Lighthouse Shelter, Board of Child Care donations and Thanksgiving Baskets.
We also participate in Choir and Ushers Anniversaries, Men's Day, Women's Day and Harvest Homecoming services.
(1846-2019) The seed has been planted, the roots have been established. Let us continue to contribute to the cultivation and growth of the church and ask God to renew us day by day.
Our early ancestors experienced their religious services in their homes, in barns, and even in the fields because many of them were farmers. As time went on, local preachers or exhorters became the regular ministers while circuit riders traveled from place to place on horseback preaching the gospel. As years passed, local worshippers had a common desire to build a church of their own.
In 1834, this area was named the West River Circuit. On March 20, 1844, Nathaniel and Martha Chew of Owensville donated (for $1.00) a piece of land to build a place of worship for the use of the “Colored members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.” The deed specified that the church must conform to the rules and discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The deed gave the land for the church to the Board of Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church and their successors. These trustees were members of the Mt. Zion Church on Bayard Road. They were the overseers and some early records of our first church are recorded there. According to the Circuit Meeting Minutes, Chews Chapel, our first church was built and operating by December 1846. This church was named in honor of the donor of the land and was located about a mile from our present site.
On January 19, 1867, members of the West River Circuit met at Mt. Zion Church and resolved to transfer all interest and claim of the church and members. Chews Chapel took ownership of the property. The first church burned around 1907.
The congregation decided to rebuild a larger church to accommodate an increasing number of members, which would require a larger property. On January 26, 1908, members of the Chew family sold for the sum of $100.00 a parcel of land adjoining the first property to Chews Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, which had incorporated by this time. A second church was built on this property along with a lodge or church hall.
In 1914, this second church was paid for and dedicated. From 1914-1946, the second Chews Chapel made great strides in the spiritual growth of the congregation. During those years, the Washington Conference was incorporated and Chews Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church along with Davidsonville formed a charge.
In 1921, Chews Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church was affiliated with the South River Charge which consisted of Chews, Hope, and St. Mark churches. Members of the Charge sacrificed and acquired land to deed to Anne Arundel County to build a new school for the children in the area. Mill Swamp School was built and later was named Ralph Bunche Elementary School.
During the era of this second church and the first, Chews did not have its own full-time pastor, but shared one with the other members of the Charge. The Rev. James E. Roberts served as pastor from 1938-1949.
On Christmas Day 1946, the second church was destroyed by fire. The Lodge Hall was not destroyed at that time. What remains of the church today are the concrete steps and a rusted water pump.
Many local churches opened their doors to Chews’ congregation for worship; however, the Lodge Hall was repaired and members worshipped there. The congregation was without a church but not without faith, hope, and a determination to have a place to worship in this community. Once again, the congregation had to roll up their sleeves, dig into their wallets, and build another church. Some members of the congregation wanted to re-build on the same location and some wanted to move out of the woods to Owensville Road. This caused a division in the congregation.
Rev. James E. Roberts, his wife, Nancy, and the District Superintendent, Rev. Charles E. Johnson, worked hard to soothe the grievances of a divided congregation. Finally, after many meetings, plans for a new church were ready. Gifts from other churches, companies, and individuals, plus pledges from our members made things look brighter. The Washington Conference gave $1,000.00 along with a loan for $7,500.00. Mr. Samuel Neal was successful in persuading two farmers in helping us to acquire land to build our third church on this present site on Owensville Road.
At first, the church officials contracted the work to be done, but discovered that things were not being done satisfactorily. The men of the church decided to build this church themselves. Mr. George Neal supervised the building of the church. The Women Society of Christian Service served hot food to the builders and helped with fundraising activities.
Within twenty months, we were ready to move into the third Chews Church. Our first service was held in August 1948. The church was now known as Chews Memorial Methodist Church. Rev. James E. Roberts, who had given many years of dedicated service to Chews (1938-1949), asked for an extension of a year over his retirement age to help us catch up on our bills. He retired in 1949.
In 1949, Rev. Charles V. Smith was appointed to serve as pastor to the South River Charge (Chews, Hope, and St. Mark). This was a challenging year: a new church, a new pastor, a heavy debt, no money in the treasury, winter approaching, a need for furniture to complete the church, and the loss of many members. Rev. Smith convinced the congregation that with faith the challenges could be met. He consoled the congregation by telling them not to worry about his salary until the budget was balanced and our obligations were met. The sum of $102.00 per month was paid toward the church for 8 years. The church was paid for 18 months ahead of time.
Under Rev. Charles V. Smith’s leadership (1949-1968), many improvements were made to the church: new pews, converting of the heating system from coal to fuel oil, a kitchen range, rain sprouts, rest rooms, and purchasing of cemetery land. Mrs. Alice Mackell and others sponsored the running water system. The Choirs purchased rugs. The Ushers sponsored the Baptismal Fount. The Triangle Community Club sponsored a drive for pulpit furniture and the cleaning of the cemetery. The Methodist Men and the Women Society of Christian Service sponsored Men’s Day and Women’s Day as major fundraisers.
After Rev. Charles Smith’s retirement in 1968, Rev. Lewis E. Wise became the pastor of the South River Charge. He was the first pastor to live in the new parsonage which was built during his term by Mr. George Pettigrew. A new furnace and an air conditioner were installed in the church. The United Choir was organized with the help of Mr. Thomas Brown. Mr. Hilton Maynard was the director and Mr. Donald Hunt was the pianist.
During this time, the Baltimore and Washington Conferences combined and the church was known as Chews United Methodist Church.
In June 1974, Rev. Leon C. Kess, Jr., was appointed to the South River Charge. Many new members joined under his leadership. The Chews Gospelaires were organized as a young singing group. The church purchased a bus and a ramp was installed in front of the church for our disabled members and visitors. During Rev. Kess’ term, three young members became student ministers and later were assigned to churches of their own. They were Rev. Charles Collins, Rev. Richard Johnson, III and Rev. Jeffrey Smith.
In 1983, we again stepped out on faith and decided to separate from the other two churches on the South River Charge. Rev. Charlie Baskerville, Jr., was appointed to serve as our pastor. It was under Rev. Baskerville’s administration that the parsonage was purchased from the Charge. The Angelic Voices (a children’s choir) and Junior Ushers were organized. A Children’s sermon segment was also added to the morning worship service. A church newsletter was published periodically to inform members of church news.
In June 1986, Rev. Donna Smith was appointed to serve as pastor to Chews. She was the first woman to serve in this position at our church. Rev. Smith conducted confirmation and bible study classes. She also organized a young adult choir and was their pianist. During her term, new carpet, draperies, cushions and hymnals were purchased. A church directory was published with the help of Mrs. Glendola Salisbury and Mrs. Vanessa Turner. We also lost our church musician, Mr. Thomas Thomas, who had served our church for over 40 years. After his death, Mr. Raymond Brown, a member of Chews became our church musician. He provided music for the Chancellor Choir, the Women’s Choir, the Gospelaires, the Angelic Voices, the Men’s Choir and the Goodwill Chorus. Rev. Donna Smith’s term at Chews ended in 1992.
Rev. Shirley Carrington was appointed in June 1992 to serve as pastor to Chews. She conducted confirmation and bible study classes. She also enjoyed singing and playing the organ. Rev. Carrington added a “Time for Children” segment to the morning worship service. A second church directory was published. Some structural improvements were also made during Rev. Carrington’s term at Chews such as: the parking area was paved, an addition to the basement, an elevator, restrooms, coat closets, new windows and shutters and a brick veneer front exterior.
A major task of reconstructing the kitchen was sponsored by Mrs. Alice Brown as Chairperson and Mr. Raymond Brown as Co-Chairperson. This project started during the time that Rev. Carrington was the pastor.
Rev. Carrington’s service ended in 2004.
A new pastor, Rev. Willie Mae Parker, was assigned to become the pastor at Chews in June 2004. She held classes for new members, Adult Vacation Bible School and confirmation. She always expressed her appreciation for the lay leaders and lay speakers. She also would praise the choirs for their music ministry. She served Chews from 2004-2008.
Rev. Brenda J. Mack was appointed to serve as pastor to our church in June 2008. She was ordained as an Elder June 4, 2010. Rev. Mack and the congregation experienced the burning of the mortgage on November 16, 2008 for the church renovation project that took place before her assignment. There were some changes in the music ministry. We lost our church musician, Mr. Raymond Brown. Some of our choirs combined to form the Unity Choir, with Ms. Sharnae Wallace as the Directress, Mr. Douglas Gray (DJ) - Pianist and Mr. Matthew Parker - Drummer.
Under Rev. Mack's administration, the Lay Servants took on more active roles in the worship services. Sometimes, they would read the scriptures as a Speech Choir.
Rev. Mack also organized groups for Intercessory and Mobile Prayer ministry.
In 2013, Chews and Carters United Methodist Churches were combined as a Charge by the conference. Rev. Mack pastored both churches until her retirement in 2017.
Our present Pastor, Rev. Valerie A. Barnes, was assigned to the Charge of Chews and Carters in June 2017. She is a teaching Pastor and uses a variety of motivational aids in delivering her messages. She emphasizes in her teachings that God has work for each of us to do only what we do for Christ will last. She encourages us to engage in Bible Study, be faithful in worshipping, be generous in giving and to come together in fellowship. These are all marks of a disciple. Rev. Barnes has also taught workshops for Project: Hope Now and Spiritual Gifts.
Under Rev. Barnes' leadership, there are opportunities for leadership training sessions. There has also been a reorganization of the Nurses' unit.
We have experienced some changes in our Music ministry. We have lost a pianist, a drummer and a choir director. We have welcomed Mrs. Jackie as our church musician and Rev. Barnes as the director for the Men's Chorus.
Our church is involved in several outreach projects such as: Flood Buckets, Personal items for Women in prison, Pennies for Potatoes, School Supplies, Coat Drive, Sandwiches for Lighthouse Shelter, Board of Child Care donations and Thanksgiving Baskets.
We also participate in Choir and Ushers Anniversaries, Men's Day, Women's Day and Harvest Homecoming services.
(1846-2019) The seed has been planted, the roots have been established. Let us continue to contribute to the cultivation and growth of the church and ask God to renew us day by day.