Do you know about the quaint, esoteric community hidden deep within the wooded confines of Glyndon, Maryland? It’s called Emory Grove. While Glyndon is already known as a small-town shoot-off of the larger town of Reisterstown, Emory Grove can be considered the veritable, secretive smaller village existing within the small village of Glyndon. But what is Emory Grove exactly? Its backstory is versatile and interesting, to say the least, and somewhat overlooked by the history books, sadly. That’s why I’m shining a little more limelight its way in this week’s Flashback Friday Feature.
History
Interestingly, Emory Grove’s establishment in 1868 predates the official founding of Glyndon as a community by three years. It was created to serve as a site for Methodist camp meetings, hosting religious services throughout the warmer months of summer.
In its heyday, Emory Grove drew thousands of visitors to its campgrounds, where they attended weeklong services. It served as a viable summertime getaway and retreat of sorts—a peaceful, bucolic oasis where one could reflect on and commune with God in a naturalistic setting and on a more personalized level.
Onsite Features
In its early days, Emory Grove was a more primitive, less developed campsite. Over time, however, emerging popularity and increasing foot traffic led to the construction of several needed developments on the grounds.
The now-famous open-air Tabernacle, for example, was brought to the site in the 1880s. An important structure for housing worship services and events to this day, the historic Tabernacle is believed to have served as the former overhead dwelling for a farmer’s market in Hanover, Pennsylvania.
With increasing numbers of out-of-town visitors came the need to provide additional housing and accommodations. That eventually led to the building of the Emory Grove Hotel in 1887. This same hotel still graces the grounds of Emory Grove today, although it no longer serves the purpose as a lodging option.
Today, it’s often utilized as a site for conducting meetings or hosting various functions, receptions, or specialized events. Some of the upper rooms have also been recreated as living history displays for touring interests.
A Temple was erected on the grounds in 1909. Originally intended to host religious educational classes and church sessions for children, specifically, the Temple has since discovered new life as a kids’ recreation area.
Perhaps one of Emory Grove’s greatest callouts to the aforementioned housing need, however, came with the establishment of multiple cottages on location. The grounds are now home to just under 50 such dwellings. Today, they are privately owned, although primarily occupied only during the warmer weather months. A year-round caretaker dutifully manages and maintains the site and all of its notable structures.
Praise and Worship
Developments may have shaped the site, but Emory Grove’s integral foundation has remained constant and intact for more than a century and a half. It’s still a renowned place for worship and religious activities throughout the summer. Once a week, every Sunday evening in July and August, a different local church throughout the greater surrounding region holds a special service here in the Tabernacle. Services commence at 7 p.m. and are followed by complimentary refreshments.
Weekly Hymn Sings in July and August are among their other notable events. Taking place at 7 p.m. every Wednesday in the Tabernacle, Hymn Sings are free and open for anyone to attend.
The tradition of hosting weekly Hymn Sings started back in 1975 with Rev. George Lovell as a way to praise the Lord in the middle of the week. Each week offers a fresh new experience of praise and fellowship through song and music. Again, free vittles are provided after.
Special Events and Occurrences
In addition to weekly warm-weather praise and church service events, Emory Grove is the site of many other ongoing offerings. Some are featured at select times throughout the year, while others are seasonal or annual occurrences. These include themed speaker series, musical events, festivals, and other special-interest endeavors.
Both Emory Grove Hotel and the onsite Tabernacle may also be rented out for hosting grand occasions or celebrations revolving around major milestones. Select times for holding such events run throughout late May and October.
Upcoming Schedule
Emory Grove has already hosted plenty of church services this season. And there are many others to carry us through the end of August.
The additional activities slated to take place here in the coming months provide plenty of diverse possibilities. Some exciting expectations to look out for include a Thursday Evening Concert Series presentation of the Great American Songbook on August 7, a Monday Evening Speaker Series special on Dressing for the 18th Century on August 11, a 70s-themed Dance Party and Dinner on August 23, and an afternoon Maker’s Market on September 28.
Emory Grove is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations and support from individuals are always greatly appreciated. This is to ensure that upkeep, management, and preservation may continue to be rightfully implemented at such a historically rich heritage site.
To learn more about Emory Grove, make a donation, or get directions for visiting in person, go to the website at www.emorygrove.net.