The Old Green Hill Church will hold its annual service on August 25th, followed by a picnic
QUANTICO – After nearly 300 years, the bold charcoal brick and white mortar numerals on the back wall still proudly proclaim the year it was built: 1733. Green Hill Church, soon to celebrate its 300th anniversary as the oldest house of worship in Wicomico County, continues to serve believers throughout the region with its annual service on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. The public is welcome to attend.
Afterwards, there will be a picnic on the church lawn with scenic views of the Wicomico River (10 miles downstream from Salisbury) and fried chicken from Red Roost.
Before the American Revolution, in the 18th century.th The 17th-century building was part of Somerset County and was built with support from the Maryland colony as a Church of England outpost in the New World. Today it is owned by the Anglican Diocese of Easton and is administered by a committee of Wicomico’s five Anglican churches. Parishioners from across the county come together each year to form an interchurch choir that sings for the service.
All church singers are cordially invited to come to the rehearsal at 9 a.m. on this day and to make some joyful noise afterwards.
“Because the building is cooled the old-fashioned way (open windows and a breeze from the river), you should wear comfortable clothes and bring fans,” said the Rev. David Michaud, pastor of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury and former pastor of St. Andrew’s in Princess Anne.
The building itself is considered a well-preserved example of 18th 17th-century colonial architecture. The one-story building is made of Flemish bricks and has a steeply pitched gable roof made of wood shingles. The woodwork inside has remained virtually unchanged since it was built, say experts on the committee. It has a vaulted ceiling, pews, a high paneled pulpit and a nave that seats 250 people.
“It is one of the historic gems of Wicomico County,” said Deacon Laura Harbaugh, chair of the committee.
In 1887 the church was consecrated as St. Bartholomew’s Church and the annual service is held on the Sunday closest to the apostle’s feast day.
The address is 4035 Green Hill Church Road, Quantico. For more information, visit facebook.com/oldgreenhillchurch. Those traveling from Somerset County and wishing to use the Whitehaven or Upper Ferry can call the ferry hotline at 410-543-2765.
