About

Union Methodist Church

Swan Creek

Prior to the Civil War a small group of free African Americans living in Harford County communicated with the enslaved population in the area. During the 1840s colored persons, as

they were called then, were only allowed to attend religious services by permission of their owners. They could worship together as long as their conduct and general deportment was considered proper.

Our ancestors and predecessors were allowed to worship in the gallery of Garrison Chapel Methodist Church. The space allotted to them was large enough for only 50 people. As the teachings of God’s grace and mercy spread throughout the community, more colored people

wanted to attend the services. By 1848, the galley was too crowded and uncomfortable for the colored people and the original owners. A change had to be made.

Two churches were formed: Union Chapel (1849-1919) and Sydney Park (1894 -1919). In 1919 the two churches merged and created Union Methodist Church (1919- 1972). In 1973 the church joined the Baltimore Washington conference, and the name became Union United Methodist Church. On October 31, 2023, the church disaffiliated from the conference due to philosophical differences and became an independent Methodist Church. The current name is Union Methodist Church Swan Creek which reflects the religious denomination and the history of the location.