Welcome to Second Presbyterian Church!
Jesus says that those who seek are those who will find. Whether you are looking for a new church home, a safe place to visit, a place where you can be still or be informed or even inspired, Second Presbyterian has much to offer.
We know that it can feel awkward to venture into a new spiritual community, and we’re aware that it is a big step- but you are not alone in your seeking. We firmly believe that a person can know God here, and that in our seeking, we can learn to share of ourselves, and in so doing also serve, knowing that growing closer to God and others is worth the risk.
As you cruise through this website you will see a lot going on involving preschoolers to seniors, singles and couples, some born and raised in Baltimore and many others who were not but have become part of the fabric of life of this vibrant faith community.
We want Second Presbyterian Church to reflect the hospitality and diversity of this city, to welcome all in Christ’s name with open arms and open hearts. We are single, married, divorced, and LGBTQ+, all part of the body of Christ. We are many voices but one people who together seek to glorify God, to share the love of Christ, and to serve those who we are led to in Jesus’ name.
As you’ll find out when you come visit us, we are ‘church’. You’d never mistake this building for anything else. We’ve been a Christian congregation for over 215 years. We are a group of people that want to follow the way Jesus would have us live, doing what we hear God calling us to do, best we can. None of us have gotten it perfect yet, but we keep trying.
Blessings to you & yours.
Rev. Randy Clayton
What to Expect on Sunday Mornings
Second is a medium-sized church of about 400 members, where we strive for everyone to be known and feel at home. We are a member of the Presbyterian Church USA denomination.
Worship Services
8:30 AM in the Chapel and also livestreamed on Second’s YouTube channel
10:30 AM in the Sanctuary and also livestreamed on Second’s YouTube channel
Please note that masking and social distancing COVID-19 safety measures are still in place.
Dress: When we are meeting in person, you’ll find people from all walks of life here, and that means a variety of styles of dress. Some people “dress up” in their “Sunday best,” while others dress casually.
Seating: For in-person worship, please feel free to sit wherever you like (in designated areas for social distancing) and participate in worship as much as you feel comfortable.
Communion: All those who trust in Jesus are welcome to participate in communion. You don’t have to be Presbyterian or a member of this church. We serve communion on the first Sunday of each month and on Maundy Thursday during the Easter Holy Week.
Accessibility: Our sanctuary, chapel, nursery, fellowship rooms and some classrooms are accessible to those with physical limitations. (Only the lower level Sunday School classrooms are not reached by our elevator.) For the sanctuary: use the step-free entrance on the Charlcote Road (Charles Street) side of the church. Look for the one-story white-columned colonnade. A 10-minute designated drop-off area is also available there. For the chapel: use the step-free glass door entrance on Stratford Road. For those with hearing problems, we provide special headsets that amplify sound. Please ask an usher when you arrive.
Christian Education Hour for Children and Youth: Sunday School for preschoolers through 12th grade and an Adult Forum is held from September through May at 9:30 AM between the two services. The care and education of your children is an important part of the ministry of our church. Learn more.
Middle and High School Youth meet periodically throughout the year for special programs and outings.
Sunday Morning Adult Forum: From September through May, we also hold a Christian education program for adults on Sunday mornings, at 9:30 AM between the two services. Some weeks we explore the week’s Bible text in greater depth, at other times we hold special programs on topics of theological, pastoral and contemporary interest. At all times we engage in lively discussions relating scripture to our own day and life.
Childcare: Childcare isn’t currently available due to the pandemic. The Second Presbyterian Church childcare staff are fully vetted and provide a loving, safe, and clean environment for infants (8 weeks) through age five in the nursery on the main level during both worship services.
Coffee Hour: We gather for fellowship and refreshments following the services.
Directions and Parking
Second Presbyterian is located in historic north Baltimore neighborhood of Guilford close to the Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood campus and Loyola University Maryland. Street parking is readily available around the church on Saint Paul Street, Charlcote Road and Stratford Road and in the surrounding neighborhood.
Entering the Church
There are many entrances to the church–a source of confusion for first-time visitors.
8:30 AM service in the Chapel: Enter through the glass doors on Stratford Road, or the back door entrance to the chapel on Charlcote Road.
10:30 AM service in the Sanctuary: Enter through the main entrance at the front of the church, or from the sides on Charlcote Road, or Saint Paul Street. The side entrance on Charlcote through the white-columned colonnade is wheelchair accessible. Whichever you choose, someone will greet you and happily tell you where to go and answer any questions you may have.
Easy Ways to Connect to Second
We want to help you find ways that are right for you to worship, care, grow and serve.
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- Explore our website to learn more about opportunities to connect with God and each other through for worship, fellowship, mission, small groups, and Christian education.
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- Look in the weekly Sunday bulletin for activities that may interest you.
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- Fill out a pew visitor card and drop it in the offering plate.
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- Introduce yourself to one of our Deacon greeters or our Pastors before or after the service.
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- Sign up here to receive our weekly “Friday Flyer” e-mail updates.
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- Call the church office at 410-467-4210.