Ministry of Brewing- Baltimore, MD

Ministry of Brewing combines reuse, preservation, and beer- so I’m all in. Although it’s been on my radar for a few years, I just recently made it back to Baltimore for the first time in ages. Always a favorite city of mine, it just feels comfortable and lived in to me, like well worn shoes- despite what some might think of the city. Ministry of Brewing feels the same way. 

Previously known as St. Michael the Archangel, the church was built in 1852 to serve the prosperous city’s large Catholic/Redemptorist German population. It featured soaring ceilings, elaborate frescos, stained glass windows and Corinthian columns. It was a beloved part of the community of Upper Fells point for over a century, until a changing demographic and population led to a decline in attendance.

In 2011, the remaining parishioners, now mostly Hispanic, were invited to join a nearby congregation, and the church was shuttered. After sitting vacant for years, the deteriorating, but still grand, church was sold to a group of investors. While many diocese owned churches have restricted use deeds, St. Michaels was owned by the Redemptorist, allowing for wider reuse potential- including a brewery. 

After spending $2.5 million on updating infrastructure and restoring artwork, the space, minus the religious artifacts, reopened as a neighborhood brewery. In February of 2020. Despite bad timing, the brewery did well, and emerged intact from the pandemic. A magnificently restored space, it’s a wonderful place to socialize, admire architecture and drink beer – I recommend their sours, which were all tasty.