A small yet significant church located in Windsor Mill, Maryland is drawing attention due to its remarkable artifacts that represent Black history. This church holds a treasure trove of stories and historical significance that highlight the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom.

On February 3, CBS News affiliate WJZ conducted an in-depth exploration of Emmarts United Methodist Church, a charming establishment that once served as a sanctuary for enslaved individuals seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad during the 1800s. Community members passionately shared insights into the church’s rich history. Founded in the late 1800s by the notable Caleb Emmarts, this church provided a crucial refuge for those escaping the oppressive conditions of the South, guiding them toward the promise of liberation in the North.

Discovering Emmarts’ Historic Role in the Underground Railroad

According to church members, the intricate operation of helping enslaved individuals was led by Nicolas Smith, who was the brother-in-law of the church’s co-owner, Gerard Emmarts. This collaboration was pivotal in creating a safe passage for many. Smith ingeniously concealed runaway slaves in barrels, skillfully transporting them across the Pennsylvania border, thereby playing a vital role in their quest for freedom.

“There was a case in the basement that had a lot of history, and then there was a large crate that had additional history, a lot of the history that we found and organized it,” expressed Christine Hughes, a devoted member of Emmarts, who is actively fighting to preserve the church’s invaluable history. She shared this during an interview with WJZ. 

Historical records reveal that prior to the church’s reconstruction in the early 1900s, there existed a balcony or gallery where enslaved individuals not only gathered for worship but also found solace while navigating their perilous journey to freedom. From this vantage point, Underground Railroad conductors like Smith, along with the Emmarts family members, facilitated safe passages, often moving these brave souls from one secure location to another. One of the clever methods of concealment involved placing escapees into large barrels, including 36-gallon and 52-gallon hogshead barrels, which were rolled along what is now known as Rolling Road—leading them closer to freedom. Linda Dorsey-Walker, a historian from Baltimore County, noted that they frequently stopped at the Emmarts-Pierpont Safe House and other protected sites throughout the region.

While it remains uncertain whether Smith ever owned the Emmarts property, the Baltimore-Washington Conference emphasizes the importance of the church and the nearby Emmarts-Pierpont Safe House, both owned by Caleb Emmarts, a significant figure in the church’s legacy. In a courageous act of defiance, Caleb served as a stationmaster on the Underground Railroad, secretly harboring runaway slaves in the gallery of the Emmarts church. Notably, despite being arrested multiple times by Confederate soldiers passing through Maryland, Caleb was never convicted of the charges related to harboring runaways. Remarkably, no neighbors were willing to testify against him, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and the protection of those seeking liberation.

Commemorating the Journey to Freedom: A Community Walk

On February 1, nearly 200 members of the community participated in a meaningful commemorative walk to Emmarts, paying tribute to the enslaved individuals who courageously risked their lives in the pursuit of freedom along the Underground Railroad. Additionally, church members have curated a permanent exhibition that showcases various artifacts discovered within the church, allowing visitors to engage with this rich history on a personal level. The dedicated church members are committed to preserving and safeguarding the unique Black history of Emmarts for generations to come.

“I want them to understand the sacrifices that were made for people you know where you are now,” remarked Bella Owens, one of the organizers behind the Emmarts United Methodist Church Commemorative Walk, during her interview with WJZ.

Pastor Isaiah Redd Sr., the head preacher of Emmarts, further emphasized, “We want to ensure that this building remains standing even after I’m gone as pastor. It’s essential for the people of this community to embrace this site as a historic element of our cultural heritage.”

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