Old Green Hill Church to hold annual service Aug. 25 followed by picnic
QUANTICO — After nearly 300 years, the bold numerals in charcoal-colored brick outlined in white mortar on the back wall still proudly announce its construction date: 1733. Green Hill …
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Old Green Hill Church to hold annual service Aug. 25 followed by picnic
QUANTICO — After nearly 300 years, the bold numerals in charcoal-colored brick outlined in white mortar on the back wall still proudly announce its construction date: 1733. Green Hill Church, approaching its tri-centennial as Wicomico County’s oldest house of worship, continues to serve the faithful throughout the region with its annual service on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. The public is invited.
Afterwards, there will be a picnic on the church lawn with a scenic view of the Wicomico River (10 miles downriver from Salisbury) featuring fried chicken provided by the Red Roost.
Prior to the American Revolution, the 18th century building was part of Somerset County and constructed with support of the Maryland colony, as a Church of England outpost in the New World. Now owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Easton and managed by a committee from Wicomico’s five Episcopal churches, parishioners from throughout the county reunite each year to form a multi-church choir singing for the service.
All church singers are invited to show up for rehearsals at 9 a.m. that day, and then make a joyful noise.
“Because the building is cooled the old-fashioned way (open windows and river breezes), dress for comfort and bring fans,” said the Very Rev. David Michaud, rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, and a former rector of St. Andrew’s in Princess Anne.
The building itself is noted as a well-preserved example of 18th century colonial architecture. The one-story structure is laid in Flemish bond brick with a steep gabled roof of wood shingles. The interior woodwork is virtually unchanged since its construction, committee experts say, with a vaulted ceiling, box pews, a high paneled pulpit and nave holding 250 people.
“It’s one of Wicomico County’s historic gems,” said Deacon Laura Harbaugh, committee chair.
In 1887, the church was consecrated as St. Bartholomew’s, and the annual service is held on the Sunday closest to the apostle’s feast day.
It is located at 4035 Green Hill Church Road, Quantico. For more information visit facebook.com/oldgreenhillchurch. For those traveling from Somerset County interested in using the Whitehaven or Upper Ferry call the ferry hotline at 410-543-2765.
