Epworth United Methodist Church to mark 125th anniversary
Epworth United Methodist Church is set to celebrate its 125th anniversary with a weekend full of activities, food, music and worship Sept. 17-18.
According to church records, trustees voted Sept. 2, 1897, to erect a place of worship at Rehoboth and Lake avenues. The name Epworth was suggested because the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, had been born and raised in the parish of Epworth in England.
In 1914, the church was moved to Baltimore Avenue, where it remained for almost 100 years. Epworth Preschool was launched in 1987, offering an academic program benefiting thousands of children since its inception.
By the early 2000s, Epworth had outgrown its space, and in 2008, a 48,000-square-foot church on Holland Glade Road was dedicated.
In 2014, the church celebrated the grand opening of its community skate park, providing local skateboarders of all abilities a free space to practice the sport.
Epworth has long been recognized locally as an inclusive and welcoming congregation that embraces all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Susan Jimenez referred to a quote by John Wesley that she said drives the church mission and its ministries: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
Indeed, the church has a number of ministries that provide food, care and compassionate services that ensure the dignity of all recipients. A mobile food ministry will travel where needed, and community members may come to the church to select food from a pantry on certain days.
The church partnered with Beebe Healthcare to provide a location for COVID-19 testing and annual flu shots.
Church members also focus on social justice issues, supporting disaster relief charities and funding third-world entrepreneurs, stay connected through Bible and book study groups, and keep active by working in the church garden or completing handyman projects.
Weekend celebration
On Saturday, Sept. 17 the church will hold a day of outdoor activities, food and music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy a fair with kids’ games, a dunk tank, live music, food trucks, artisans and a skateboarding demonstration.
On Sunday, Sept. 18, former pastors, local dignitaries and friends will come together for a music-filled worship celebration at 10 a.m., followed by an anniversary dinner at 5 p.m.
In the case of rain, the celebration will be held in Fellowship Hall. Epworth is located at 19285 Holland Glade Road. For more information about the church, its ministries and the celebration, go to epworth.faith.
