Christ Church Guilford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Christ Church Guilford
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Christ Church Guilford, September 2009
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | North of Guilford at 6800 Oakland Mills Rd., Guilford, Maryland |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1809 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001469 |
| Added to NRHP | January 30, 1978 |
The Christ Church Guilford, also known as the "Old Brick Church," is a historic Episcopal church. It is located near Guilford, Maryland, which is now part of Columbia, Maryland, in Howard County, Maryland. This small church was finished in 1809. It was built using handmade bricks.
The oldest item used by the church is a Bible from 1701. This Bible was a gift from Queen Anne. The church started in 1727 as Queen Caroline Parish Church. Another church, Trinity Church (Elkridge, Maryland), grew from Christ Church. The current building replaced an older wooden one from around 1711. It is the second church building on this land. The land was given to the church in 1738 by Caleb Dorsey. Christ Church Guilford is the oldest church building still used in Howard County.
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What Christ Church Guilford Looks Like
The church is made of brick and has a steep roof. It faces east and has two entrance doors. These doors have special windows above them. The main windows are rectangular with many small glass panes. Inside, there is a balcony that goes around three sides of the church.
A Look at the Church's History
In the early days, Christ Church was funded by a tax on tobacco. This tax helped pay for church and sheriff costs. After the Revolutionary War, the Episcopal Church in Maryland faced challenges. Many church leaders had sworn loyalty to the king of England. This caused problems when the new American government required loyalty to the United States. Some leaders left, and others stopped preaching.
After the war, the Church of England, which was the parent church, lost its official government support. This meant less money for churches. So, not many new churches were built.
In 1789, Anglican churches in nine states formed a new group. They called themselves "The Protestant Episcopal Church." This church officially separated from the Church of England. Christ Church was one of the first Episcopal churches built in Maryland after the Revolution. Judge Henry Ridgely helped oversee its construction in 1809. The church's design was simple and cost-effective. However, it still has a nice three-part window over the entrances. The inside balcony is a simpler version of those found in bigger churches. These larger churches were built in cities like Philadelphia and London in the 1700s.
Important Pastors
The Reverend James MacGill was the first full-time leader, called a rector, for Christ Church. He started in 1728 and served for 50 years. He lived nearby at Athol Manor. Another important rector was the Rev Thomas John Claggett. He served from 1781 to 1782. Later, in 1792, he became the first Bishop of Maryland. He was also the first Episcopal bishop to be made a bishop in America.
Why Christ Church Guilford is Important
This church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it is a special place that is important to the history of the United States.
See also
- List of Howard County properties in the Maryland Historical Trust
- List of post 1692 Anglican parishes in the Province of Maryland
- Oak Hall (Columbia, Maryland)
Gallery
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Christ Church Guilford Interior, September 2009
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Christ Church Guilford Historic Marker Sept 09.JPG
Christ Church Guilford Historic Marker, September 2009
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February 2015
