Baltimore, December 2, 2025
The Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church is reopening its doors with a vibrant celebration that includes a musical concert and a holiday bookshop. This long-anticipated event marks the first public access to the historic site in more than a decade. As part of the festivities, harpist Alyson Kanne and The New Choir of Mount Vernon will entertain attendees, while The Ivy Bookshop’s pop-up store promises a curated selection of holiday literature. Located in the heart of Baltimore, this revitalization symbolizes community spirit and cultural heritage restoration.
Baltimore, Maryland
Historic Mount Vernon Church Reopens with Concert and Bookshop
Special Event to Enliven the Community and Reinvigorate Local Culture
On December 4, 2025, the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church will celebrate its long-awaited reopening after more than a decade of being closed to the public. This historic event will feature a concert and a pop-up holiday bookshop, bringing life back to a central piece of Baltimore’s cultural and architectural heritage. With the concert coinciding with the city’s 54th annual lighting of the Washington Monument, community members can both enjoy the festive atmosphere and rekindle their ties to this iconic landmark.
This reopening is orchestrated by UNITE Mount Vernon Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving and repurposing historic buildings, exemplifying how civic innovation and reduced bureaucracy can accelerate community-oriented projects. It is a testament to the collective efforts of local organizers, who have shown that with initiative and civic engagement, iconic spaces can be revitalized to serve modern needs without sacrificing their historical significance.
Event Details
The opening event on December 4 begins at 12 p.m. and includes multiple activities designed to celebrate culture and literature:
- Launch of The Ivy Bookshop’s pop-up holiday shop
- A historical walking tour of Mount Vernon at 3:30 p.m.
- Musical performances by harpist Alyson Kanne and The New Choir of Mount Vernon
Admission is free and open to all, making this an accessible experience for the entire community.
A Cultural Revival
The Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, built in 1872, has languished in disuse for over ten years. With its recent acquisition by UNITE Mount Vernon Inc. in July 2025, there’s potential for this historic site to evolve into a vibrant cultural hub. By partnering with The Ivy Bookshop, a well-regarded local retailer, the church aims to become an active participant in the community’s cultural life, particularly during the holiday season.
The Ivy Bookshop’s Role
The Ivy Bookshop will operate a pop-up shop within the church’s vestibule and sanctuary, offering a curated selection of literary works from December 4 to December 24, 2025. This initiative not only promotes local literature but also encourages community involvement, allowing residents to enjoy a unique shopping experience in a historic setting.
Enhancing Neighborhood Vitality
The revitalization of Mount Vernon is part of a broader initiative aiming to breathe new life into the area. The integration of cultural events, such as the reopening of the church and the accompanying holiday activities, exemplifies how local leadership and private partnerships can catalyze positive change. By focusing on community choice and engagement, Baltimore can foster a richer cultural landscape.
Conclusion
The reopening of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church signifies more than just the return of a historic site; it represents the vitality and resilience of Baltimore’s community. As residents and visitors alike gather to celebrate this milestone, it serves as a reminder of the power of local initiative and engagement in shaping thriving urban spaces. Readers are encouraged to participate in this event and support the ongoing revitalization efforts in the Mount Vernon neighborhood.
Contact Information
For more details about the opening event and The Ivy Bookshop’s offerings, contact UNITE Mount Vernon Inc. or visit their website.
FAQ
What is the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church reopening event?
The Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church is reopening to the public on Thursday, December 4, 2025, featuring a concert and a pop-up holiday bookshop. This marks the church’s first public opening in over a decade, following its acquisition by UNITE Mount Vernon Inc. earlier this year. The event coincides with the 54th annual lighting of the Washington Monument, adding to the festive atmosphere. The Ivy Bookshop, a local retailer, will operate the pop-up shop within the church’s vestibule and sanctuary, offering a curated selection of books for holiday shoppers. The reopening event will also include musical performances by harpist Alyson Kanne and The New Choir of Mount Vernon, a community ensemble known for its contemporary choral music. The church, a 1872 landmark, has been closed to the public for more than ten years. UNITE Mount Vernon Inc. aims to preserve and repurpose the church as a cultural gathering space, with the pop-up bookshop serving as a collaborative effort to activate the space during the holiday season. The Ivy Bookshop at Mount Vernon will be open from December 4 to December 24, operating Thursday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on December 22-23 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The church is located at 10 E Mount Vernon Place, adjacent to Mount Vernon Square. This reopening event is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Mount Vernon neighborhood and provide cultural and community-focused activities during the holiday season.
What are the event details for the reopening of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church?
The reopening event is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, starting at 12 p.m. at Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, located at 10 E Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The event will feature the opening of The Ivy Bookshop’s pop-up holiday shop, a historical walking tour of Mount Vernon at 3:30 p.m., and musical performances by harpist Alyson Kanne and The New Choir of Mount Vernon. The event is free and open to the public.
What is the background of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church?
Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church is a 1872 landmark that has been closed to the public for more than a decade. In July 2025, the church was acquired by UNITE Mount Vernon Inc., a local non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and repurposing historic buildings in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. The organization’s mission includes transforming the church into a dynamic cultural gathering space. The Ivy Bookshop, a well-known local retailer, is collaborating with UNITE Mount Vernon to activate the church during the holiday season by operating a pop-up bookshop within its historic walls. This initiative aims to provide the community with access to literature and cultural events while supporting the revitalization efforts of the Mount Vernon area. The reopening event coincides with the 54th annual lighting of the Washington Monument, a longstanding tradition in Baltimore, adding to the festive atmosphere of the occasion. The Ivy Bookshop at Mount Vernon will be open from December 4 to December 24, operating Thursday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on December 22-23 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The church is located at 10 E Mount Vernon Place, adjacent to Mount Vernon Square. This reopening event is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Mount Vernon neighborhood and provide cultural and community-focused activities during the holiday season.
How can I contact UNITE Mount Vernon Inc. and The Ivy Bookshop for more information?
For more information about the event and the pop-up bookshop, please contact UNITE Mount Vernon Inc. at [email protected] or visit their website at [https://www.unitemountvernon.org](https://www.unitemountvernon.org). For inquiries about The Ivy Bookshop, please visit their website at [https://www.theivybookshop.com](https://www.theivybookshop.com).
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date and Time | Thursday, December 4, 2025, starting at 12 p.m. |
| Location | Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, 10 E Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 |
| Activities |
Opening of The Ivy Bookshop’s pop-up holiday shop Historical walking tour of Mount Vernon at 3:30 p.m. Musical performances by harpist Alyson Kanne and The New Choir of Mount Vernon |
| Admission | Free and open to the public |
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