Bowie Methodist Episcopal (M. E.) Church (03-05)

Historical narrative

The Bowie M. E. Church is a testament to the challenges and triumphs experienced by a small Black community of believers that began worshiping together at the close of the nineteenth century. Founded during an era when Black and white Methodists in America worshiped in racially segregated congregations, the church is significant as one of the churches founded by Black Marylanders in Prince George's County in the two decades following the Civil War. Initially, worshipers met in the homes of church members. In 1907, church trustees took steps toward constructing a church by purchasing two lots in the town of Bowie. In 1909, the congregation named the church in honor of its pastor, Rev. Nathan Ross, and it became known as Ross Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. The church cornerstone was laid in 1913, and construction followed.

Watercolor

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