Q. Is McKim a faith-based organization?
A: Though the McKim Center was the inspiration and dream of Baltimore Quaker, John McKim, and though McKim owes much of its success to its long-term and invaluable relationships with both the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the members of the Second Presbyterian Church of Baltimore, McKim is not itself a faith-based organization. The Quakers, Presbyterians, and other faith-based groups partner with McKim because they are called to this community work. As a community center, McKim is open to and serves people of all denominations and races.
Q. Why is it important to maintain McKim’s two architectural structures?
A: Both the familiar red-brick Meeting House at Fayette and Aisquith and the iconic, Neoclassic inspired main building on Baltimore Street are landmark buildings dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which should be preserved as historic structures. More importantly, they symbolize the spirit of John McKim, the importance of community, and the timeless values of “structure, discipline, and love” to which the McKim Center is dedicated.
Q. What does the future look like to McKim?
McKim’s vision is to become the leading community center in Baltimore and a role model for all other community centers. It is our goal to continue to develop new programs that will educate, enrich, and inspire the youth of Baltimore and serve the needs of our local community and its residents. Current plans are to widen the reach of our athletic programs and to deepen our emphasis on wellness and the arts (theatre, dance, and film) in our after school and summer camp programs. Our partners in this exciting work include the Baltimore Algebra Project, the Baltimore Wisdom Project, and the Friends School of Baltimore. We’re also partnering with the Jonestown Planning Council and the Historic Jonestown Corporation to ensure that all of our neighbors can contribute to the vitality and future direction of Jonestown. The possibilities are limitless. The future is bright. And with your help, we will get there. Click here to find out how you can support The McKim Center.