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In 1975, the church obtained listing on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the earliest African Methodist Episcopal churches. It is also listed as a landmark by the Baltimore City Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation, and noted for its Romanesque style and Gothic window on the northeastern façade. It was in 1992 that it became home to the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL).
The church, its members, and its service gave life to what would become thriving community. When it became home to the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL), they were dedicated to furthering its mission of civil service and advocacy. GBUL was unwilling to allow the historic venue any further deterioration, and launched a massive effort to open the doors of the church, to the community, once again. Since the GBUL assumed the space, the church has been given a new life based on old ideals of community empowerment. Although it no longer functions as a Sunday meeting place, it delivers a great service to the Baltimore community at large. The League has long maintained its mission of helping African-Americans and other minorities succeed in Baltimore’s mainstream. From its home base of Orchard Street Church, the GBUL has created programs and partnerships that reach every corner of the city. GBUL runs a collaborative youth leadership development project called the Saturday Leadership Program and is a leading partner in Baltimore’s College Access Consortium, a team of like-minded leaders in education dedicated to reducing Baltimore’s academic achievement gaps. The volunteer auxiliaries, the Greater Baltimore Leadership Association and the GBUL Guild, organize community service programs and collaborate with numerous charitable organizations every year. The Greater Baltimore Urban League is represented on key boards, committees and working groups directly affecting the lives of Baltimore citizens. These include the Baltimore Education Research Consortium, the Central Maryland Transit Alliance, and the Prevent and Deter Violent Crime Working Group. In addition to its community commitments, GBUL maintains its historical commitment to the church. The League hosts historical tours, reenactments, and living history presentations that bring the church’s story to life for hundreds of students, tourists, and history enthusiasts. The Orchard Street Church is a living community center, housing the Greater Baltimore Urban League administrative offices, program space, and community meeting space. One-hundred and thirty plus years of wear on the building and the community have taken its toll. But, the Urban League maintains, like our home base, a strong foundation. We are sure that, with your help, we can begin to rebuild our community and renew its cornerstone. |