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Owings Mills was initially inhabited by Native Americans. In 1740, Samuel Owings, a Welsh immigrant and son of Richard Owings (a preacher), settled there. By the end of the 18th century, Samuel Owings II had established 3 grist mills (the upper mill, middle mill and lower mill) in the town, thus the name Owings Mills. Samuel Owings II was a very influential man, and is one of the individuals named in a formal oath supporting Maryland complete with renunciation of loyalty to England and King Geroge, in a document dated Friday 10 April, 1778.

There were other prominent families in the area who also contributed to the success and growth of Owings Mills: The Groff family, who operated the Upper Mill. Will Painter, who bought the Lower Mill from Samuel Owings II. The Sherwood Family, who operated in shipping and fuel oil business in Baltimore. There was also the Triplett family, who operated chrome mines. In the early years of its existence, this area thrived on farming and mining, particularly chrome. Chrome was first found in the United States in Baltimore County in 1808. Isaac Tyson , Jr operated mines in this area from 1828 - 1850, and provided almost all of the world's chromium!

Owings Mills is a valuable model of a sustainable city. In its relatively concentrated area are all the necessary functions of a viable city: industry, commerce, residence, transportation and water infrastructure, as well as a well preserved aquatic ecosystem. The Soldier's Delight Natural Environment Area used to be the site for Tysons' chromium mines. Today, it is a well preserved 2,000acre area that containes the largest remaining serpentine grassland in the eastern United States. It is now a haven for endangered species and contains more than 39 different rare, threatened or endangered plant species. Flowing through the middle of Owings Mills is Red Run, a class 3 trout stream and tributary of Gwynn Falls, one of the major watersheds draining into Baltimore Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay.

Today, Owings Mills is located in the northwest part of Baltimore County, Maryland. It is home to the Baltimore Ravens football team, and Owings Mills Town Center, one of the area's largest malls. There are numerous thriving businesses, and a subway Metro Center that transports about 3000 people a day. It is multicultural community and a land rich with heritage.

We love Owings Mills, and are thrilled to be a life-giving church in this community. We pray the blessings of Almighty God on this land. Amen.

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