St. Anne's Church (Annapolis, Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Anne's Episcopal Church |
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St. Anne's Church in 1906
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| Location | 199 Duke Of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD 21401 |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Episcopal |
| Website | Official Website: https://stannes-annapolis.org |
| History | |
| Founded | 1692 |
| Architecture | |
| Years built |
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| Administration | |
| Diocese | Maryland |
St. Anne's Episcopal Church is a very old and important church in Annapolis, Maryland. It is located in Church Circle. This church was the first one built in Annapolis. It started in 1692 to be the main church for a new area called Middle Neck Parish. This was one of the first 30 Anglican parishes in the Maryland area. Today, St. Anne's is still an active church. It is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of St. Anne's Church
The First Church: 1704-1775
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St. Anne's Church began in 1692. This was after a law called the Establishment Act was passed. This law allowed for new buildings like the State House, King William's School, and St. Anne's. However, there weren't enough workers or money. So, these projects took much longer than planned.
In 1694, Annapolis became the capital of Maryland. The governor, Francis Nicholson, designed the city streets. He made two main circles. The bigger one was for the State House. The smaller one was for the church. St. Anne's still stands in that smaller circle today.
Building the church was slow. The government didn't give money until 1695 and 1696. In 1699, they decided the church should be 65 feet (20 meters) wide and 30 feet (9 meters) long. It would also have a porch and a tower with a bell. The first builder was fired because he didn't work on the church. The building was finally ready for use by 1704.
The church was used as a special royal chapel until 1715. That's when Maryland was returned to Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore. Queen Anne herself gave a bell to St. Anne's. This bell called people to services until a fire destroyed it in 1858.
Many people who led St. Anne's as rectors (church leaders) left for better jobs. People at the time sometimes called the church a "barn." They felt it wasn't a proper place for worship. In 1775, many locals asked for a new church. Their wish came true. The first church was taken down in late 1775.
The Second Church: 1792-1858
After the first church was taken down, plans were made for a new one. Joseph Horatio Anderson, who designed the State House, was chosen as the architect. But the American Revolutionary War started. So, construction had to be stopped.
The bricks and wood meant for the church were used for a fort instead. This fort was built near the Severn River. Most of the workers went off to fight in the war. During the war, people from St. Anne's met at St. William's School. Later, a temporary building was put up on West Street for worship.
The war ended in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris. The new United States then faced money problems. This caused more delays for the new church. Finally, in 1792, the second St. Anne's church was finished. It was much bigger and stronger than the first one. Bishop Thomas John Claggett officially dedicated it. He was the first Bishop of Maryland and had once worked in the old church.
On February 14, 1858, a fire from a furnace badly damaged the inside of the building. Most of the old church documents burned. A new church building was needed again.
The Third Church: 1858-Present Day
The third and current church was built in 1858. It was designed in a style called Romanesque Revival. This style uses elements from old Roman buildings. The new church kept a part of the old tower. Most of the church was built in 1858. However, the tall steeple was not finished until 1866. This delay was due to the American Civil War.
The city asked for a town clock to be put in the tower. This clock is still there today. The city helps to keep it working.
Images for kids
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St. Anne's Church in 1906
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Elizabeth Calvert, who married Benedict Swingate Calvert in St Anne's Church in 1748. Painting by John Wollaston.
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Interior of the church today.
