The Church Series: Abandoned Parish Churches of Delmarva








The Delmarva Peninsula is home to some of America's oldest religious sites, several of which are in ruins or no longer in regular use as churches.  This is particularly true for Anglican parish churches, which were formally established in Maryland no later than 1692, but were subject to replacement as population centers shifted.  Constructed in a Flemish brick bond pattern, these sacred spaces are among the last connections to early American history, where the objectives of colonists were largely monetary, slavery was a primary means of labor, and the church provided one of the few places of spiritual and emotional nourishment in a very hard life.

White Marsh Parish ruins near Trappe
White Marsh Parish Ruins Near Trappe
Visible from Route 50 in Talbot County, Maryland, south of Easton, stand the ruins of St. Peter's, White Marsh Parish.  The oldest parts of the ruin date to the 17th century; the church was enlarged in 1751, fell into increasing disuse after 1850, and burned while being prepared for services in 1897. The successor church is in nearby Trappe.  A former rector of the parish, Rev'd. Daniel Maynadier, a Huguenot who ministered in the 18th century, is buried under the remains of the altar.  Another prominent burial is Robert Morris, Sr., whose son was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.


Rehobeth Presbyterian Church

In the most remote regions of southern Marlyand, not far from the Virginia line, are the remains of Coventry Parish (pictured at top), built in 1785 for the growing Episcopal community in Rehobeth, Maryland.  By the late 19th century, the building was falling out of use, and services were moved to Saint Paul's in nearby Marion Station.  The building burned in 1911.  Rehobeth is known better to another Protestant denomination: the first Presbyterian church in America is across the street, and was built in 1706. It is an active congregation today, and if visiting, the minister is likely to come out and talk to you!

Saint Martin's Church near Ocean City
Saint Martin's, Worcester Parish, stands just a few miles from Ocean City.  Built between 1756 and 1763, the building was never deconsecrated even after services were moved permanently to Saint Paul's in nearby Berlin.  The building is still available for weddings and is also used for concerts and other events, though there are no facilities on the property.  There is also no air-conditioning or heat!  The spare interior space, still under restoration, is a reminder of the primitive lifestyle in the American colonies.

All of these spaces are accessible and can easily be found in map searches.  Happy exploring!




  




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