Monument City Blog

The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation (Map) stands at the corner of Maryland Avenue and West Preston Street in Charm City. Designed by the prolific Charles E. Cassell, the amphitheatrical building is a unique mixture of architectural practices. Cassell also designed the First Church of Christ, Scientists and the Stafford Hotel. Built in 1889, the structure was originally occupied by the Associate Congregational Church. In 1937 the Greek Orthodox community purchased the building for its growing congregation.

The Seventh Baptist Church (Map) is located at 1916 Saint Paul Street.  Started in 1845, the Seventh Baptist congregation once met in a meeting house on Calvert Street in Downtown.  Richard Fuller, a man known for his controversial 1840’s stance on slavery in the scriptures, was once head of the group.  The organization changed locations and affiliations several times, and in 1897 the North Avenue district was chosen for the church’s expansion.

The Eutaw Place Temple (Map) was built in 1892, and is located at 1307 Eutaw Place in Bolton Hill.  Temple Oheb Shalom erected the stunning structure after moving north from their original downtown location on Hanover Street.  Established in 1853, the congregation provided an alternative to the orthodox and radical reform groups that dominated Charm City’s 19th century Jewish population.  Designed by Joseph Evans Sperry, the synagogue is defined by its byzantine style.  Sperry also designed Baltimore’s Emerson Bromo-Seltzer Tower and the Brewer’s Exchange.  After moving to a larger facility in 1960, Temple Oheb Shalom sold the Eutaw Place Temple to the Prince Hall Masons.  The masonic group utilize and maintain the building today.  The Francis Scott Key Monument stands in front of the temple.

The Zion Lutheran Church (Map) was established in 1755, 25 years after Baltimore Town was set up.  The congregation worshiped in private residences and eventually a small meeting house until 1807, when a location was agreed upon and a church was erected.  The building is located at 400 E. Lexington Street, next door to the Peale Museum and across from City Hall.  The Zion Lutheran Church survived the Battle of Baltimore and the Great Fire of 1904.  The tower and parish hall were added in 1912.