History

In September of 2006, the two United Methodist churches in Brunswick, New York Hill UMC and First UMC, voted to merge and become one church. First UMC had been a part of the Brunswick community since the mid-1800’s. First located near the railroad tracks in downtown Brunswick, it eventually found its home on South Maryland Avenue, where members built first a log cabin and then a large brick structure in 1907. In 1942 the educational building was added and the church flourished through the 50’s and 60’s. At its strongest point, First UMC was a busy, thriving, Spirit-filled church, involved in ministries for all people. As the railroad business faltered, so did the town and so did the growth at First UMC.

New York Hill UMC began its history first in the Brunswick city park and then in a tent erected on 9^th Avenue – in 1893. Eventually the railroad donated land at 9^th and Park and a frame building was constructed. In 1917 the educational building, kitchen and fellowship hall were added. New York Hill had its strongest membership in the 60’s and 70’s as countless children filled its Sunday school. Again, as the railroad business faltered, so did the town and so did the growth at New York Hill UMC.

In the mid 1980’s First UMC was linked to New York Hill UMC as they became a part of the Brunswick Cooperative Parish. In the last 20 years, much healing and growth has taken place – and the people in this church have truly begun to envision a future filled with hope and promise.

In September of 2006, besides voting to merge, the congregations also voted to sell their existing buildings and purchase land for a new church. Since beginning their worship together in January 2007, New Hope has experienced a steady increase in worship attendance and Sunday School participation. The church is fully engaged in local and global mission – through the Food Bank, Emergency Relief Fund, Mission trips to Kentucky and Africa Mission Support. Because of all this growth, the church is moving forward with plans to build a new church that is accessible to all our members and has parking and space to grow as our town grows.

In the fall of 2007, forty acres were purchased on Olive School Road in Knoxville, MD; an architect and builder have been hired to form our Design Team and the church voted in the spring of 2008 to move forward with its building program. God is good!!