Emmanuel Episcopal Church (Cumberland, Maryland) facts for kids
The Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cumberland, Maryland is a very old and interesting building. It stands in Cumberland's Historic District. What makes it extra special is that it's built right on top of Fort Cumberland. This fort was a military base from 1755, and even George Washington started his military career there! You can still find parts of the old fort, like earthworks, under the church.
The church building you see today was started in 1849 and finished in 1851. It's made from local sandstone. Inside, you can admire beautiful stained-glass windows made by a famous artist named Tiffany. There's also a cool model of Fort Cumberland. The church grounds are part of a walking trail where you can learn more about the fort's history.
The Emmanuel Episcopal Church is a great example of early Gothic Revival architecture in Maryland. This style was popular in the mid-1800s. A famous architect from Philadelphia, John Notman, designed the church around 1850. He based his design on St. Paul's Church in Brighton, England.
The Parish House
Next to the church is the Cumberland Parish House, built in 1903. A local architect from Cumberland, Bruce Price, designed it. The Parish House uses parts of the Second Empire style, which was a popular French style of building. This style often includes tall windows, fancy roofs, and detailed decorations. Many other old houses in the area look similar to the Parish House.
Fort Cumberland's History
Both the church and the Parish House are on land that was once Fort Cumberland. This fort was an important outpost during the French and Indian War. It helped protect the frontier. The only building left from the original fort is a small cabin. This cabin was used by George Washington as his headquarters when he was in the area. It has since been moved to a nearby park called Riverside Park.
Visiting the Church
The Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Parish House are located at 16 Washington Street. They are important parts of the Washington Street Historic District. You can attend church services, and during the Heritage Days festival in June, you can even take tours of the old tunnels that run under the church!
