St. Thomas' Episcopal Parish Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Thomas' Episcopal Parish Historic District
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Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, August 2014
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | From east side of Croom Rd. along north & south sides of St. Thomas Church Rd., eastward for about 1500 ft., near Upper Marlboro, Maryland |
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| Area | 43.77 acres (17.71 ha) |
| Built | 1742 |
| Built by | Page, Daniel; Tayman, Harry P.; Armstrong, H. and J. |
| Architect | Priest, John W; Grigg, Milton |
| Architectural style | Georgian, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 20120106 |
| Added to NRHP | December 30, 2011 |
The St. Thomas' Episcopal Parish Historic District is a special area in Croom, Maryland, located in Prince George's County, Maryland. It's called a historic district because it contains several old buildings and sites that are important to the history of the area. This district is centered around the historic St. Thomas' Church.
This important historical site was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. This means it's recognized nationally for its historical value.
Contents
Exploring St. Thomas' Historic District
The St. Thomas' Episcopal Parish Historic District covers about 43 acres. It includes four main buildings and three important historical sites. These places tell the story of a community that has been around for a very long time.
Key Buildings in the District
The buildings in the district show different styles of architecture from the past. Each one played a role in the daily life of the community.
St. Thomas' Church
The main building in the district is St. Thomas' Church itself. It was built in 1742, making it a very old church. It's a great example of Georgian architecture, which was popular in the 1700s. Churches like this were often the heart of early American communities.
The Rectory
Next to the church is the St. Thomas' Church Rectory. This building was constructed between 1852 and 1853. It's built in the Gothic Revival style, which means it looks a bit like medieval castles or cathedrals with pointed arches and tall windows. The rectory was where the church's priest or rector lived.
Tenant/Sexton's House
There's also a house known as the Tenant/Sexton's House, built around 1890. A sexton is someone who takes care of the church building and grounds. This house likely provided a home for the person who helped maintain the church.
Tobacco Barn
Another interesting building is a tobacco barn, built around 1905. In Maryland's history, tobacco was a very important crop. Barns like this were used to cure and store tobacco leaves after they were harvested. This barn shows the agricultural history of the area.
Important Historical Sites
Besides the buildings, there are three sites that are also part of the historic district. These sites help us understand more about the people who lived and worshipped here.
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church Cemetery
The cemetery next to St. Thomas' Church is one of these sites. Cemeteries are important because they are the final resting places for many people from the community's past. They can tell us about families, important figures, and even how long people lived.
St. Simon's Mission Chapel Site
Another significant site is where St. Simon's Mission Chapel once stood. In the late 1800s, African-American members of St. Thomas' Church formed their own mission chapel called St. Simon's. This was a place where they could worship and gather.
St. Simon's Cemetery
Near the chapel site is St. Simon's Cemetery. This cemetery was used by the African-American community associated with St. Simon's Mission Chapel. It's an important reminder of their presence and contributions to the area's history.
The Croome Industrial and Agricultural School
The St. Simon's Mission Chapel operated on land connected to the Croome Industrial and Agricultural School, also known as the Croom Settlement School. This school was open from about 1902 to 1952. It played a vital role in educating African-American children in the community during a time when educational opportunities were often limited.
