About Howard Chapel-Ridgeville UMC

Howard Chapel-Ridgeville is a small church set in rural western Howard County.  The roots of the church go back to 1860.  The present sanctuary was constructed in 1885.  The Sunday school extension was constructed in 1909, and the Education/Fellowship Hall was constructed in 1966.  The Education/Fellowship Hall was reconstructed in 1978 after it was destroyed by fire.  The Sanctuary walls and ceiling are pressed-tin, which is a very “live” setting for singing.  The church also has beautiful stained-glass windows that provide a magnificent backdrop to Sunday morning worship. 

 Church membership is 243, with Sunday attendance averaging 64.  Approximately 50% of our membership actively support the church financially.  The Trustees do an excellent job of maintaining the church building.  The parsonage was sold and the pastor receives a housing allowance.

 Howard Chapel-Ridgeville is an intergenerational congregation, heavily slanted on the “senior” side.  Our Children’s Sunday School has a present enrollment of 3, while Adult Sunday School has a regular attendance of 20.  Due to the present concentration of construction in eastern Howard County, significant development in our area will not occur in the foreseeable future.  Builders purchase local farms then transfer the “building rights” to other areas near Columbia.

 As a church we are concerned about the lack of younger members, but we will not let that stop us from using the gifts and talents that we have.  With the power of the Holy Spirit we will extend our ministry to the community through financial support and service.  We have doubled our Missions support over the past year.  We have a rich heritage of service to the community through Mt. Airy NET and direct assistance to families in need. We participate in Cluster activities and host a Church Supper twice a year (Fried Oysters and Turkey in the fall and Fried Shrimp, Ham, and Roast Beef in the spring).  We also make Apple Butter each September.  This year we put-up 90 gallons (83 gallons were sold before we started cooking). 

 It is a real blessing to watch the church work together and worship together.  The combined attendance at our Easter Sunrise Service and regular morning service was 132.  Christmas Eve and Ash Wednesday services are also well attended.  We have taken in 2 new members through  profession of faith.

 Howard Chapel-Ridgeville is a small church that gathers together on Sunday morning to praise and worship the Triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  We come with our joys and sorrows, triumphs and setbacks.  We listen to the Word of God and return to the world with a spirit of repentance, renewal, and hope in Jesus Christ.