The Towson United Methodist Church is a large United Methodist church located in the historic Hampton subdivision of Towson, Maryland. Its history is deeply rooted in the nation's political and sociological trends, beginning in the 19th century and continuing to the present day. In 1839, the Epsom Chapel was inaugurated for Towsontown's first public church service, led by Methodist Episcopal Minister Daniel Helpler. This was followed by a disagreement over the use of musical instruments in worship, which led to the northern-leaning Methodist Episcopal Congregation building their own church nearby in 1869. In 1895, both groups came together to celebrate a great revival in Towson.
After the reunification of the two branches of Methodism in 1939, the First Methodist Church and the Second Methodist Church of Towson continued as separate entities for another thirteen years. In April 1952, more than ninety years after the two churches separated, the congregations of both finally voted in favor of reunification, and they merged on June 1, 1952 and adopted the name Towson Methodist Church. The Towson Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Music Schools, the Council for the Accreditation of the Preparation of Educators, and the Maryland State Department of Education. It provides a wide range of music programs for all ages and skill levels. These include traditional folk music concerts, choral singing classes, instrumental music lessons, and more.
The church also hosts special events such as recitals and concerts throughout the year. The church's minister, Reverend Miller, was ordained to ministry by the United Methodist Church in 1995 after studying at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. He was chief minister of the First Methodist Church of Towson at the time of the merger of the two churches in 1952 and later prime minister of the Towson Unified Methodist Church during its construction and its first decade. The Towson United Methodist Church offers an extensive selection of music programs for all ages and skill levels. From traditional folk music concerts to choral singing classes and instrumental music lessons, there is something for everyone. Special events such as recitals and concerts are also held throughout the year.
