Christ Church Parish on Kent Island in Stevensville, Maryland

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In 1631, William Claiborne set off from the Jamestown colony, traveling a little over 200 miles north to form a new colony. He founded a settlement he named after his hometown – “the Isle of Kent.”  With fellow settlers, he established Fort Kent. Unfortunately, the settlement burned down during the winter of 1631-1632, but their determination to forge a new life prevailed, and the fort was rebuilt soon thereafter. 

The states of Virginia and Maryland disputed one another regarding ownership of Kent Island until 1658, even though Virginia still tried to lay claim to the settlement until 1776, the year our nation declared independence from England. Kent Island is known as the oldest English settlement in Maryland, and the third oldest in the United States.

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A group of settlers eager to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ – “The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts” – made their way to Fort Kent in 1631 alongside William Claiborne. At Fort Kent, Christ Church Parish became the first of the original 30 Anglican parishes in the then-province of Maryland when it built its first church building in 1632 under the guidance of their first leader, Rector Richard James. While the original building no longer stands, the congregation of Christ Church still meets to this day.

The church moved northward to Broad Creek – the only established town in Kent County at the time – and built their first church there in 1652.  As Christ Church grew, they built another building in 1712. The Anglican church faced difficulties during the War for Independence, as priests in the Anglican Church were sworn to allegiance to the Crown. Meanwhile, members of the church were torn; some members were Tories, while others were Patriots. During the War for Independence, no rectors were employed to lead the congregation between the years 1778 to 1806. Unfortunately, the church suffered lower membership during the Revolutionary War, as well as the War of 1812. The third building at Broad Creek was built in 1826.

Following the American Revolution, many Anglican Churches in the United States reorganized into the Protestant Episcopal Church. Christ Church became known as an Episcopal Church following the changes within the denomination. In the same way that our nation has ebbed and flowed for 250 years, Christ Church has faced many changes while maintaining their dedication to their original purpose – to declare freedom in Christ while loving our neighbor. 

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Broadkill ceased existing as a town in the mid-1800’s; the only physical remains of the town is the Broad Creek Cemetery, which was later absorbed by Stevensville. Members of Christ Church still meet every other year in June at the site of the original Christ Church, 370 Romancoke Road, to honor those members of the congregation who sleep the sleep of the saints. 

Stevensville, Maryland became the new home of the congregation of Christ Church. A Queen Anne-style church was built on 121 East Main Street in 1880. Due to congregational growth, a new church building was erected at 830 Romancoke Road, Stevensville in 1995.

While America celebrates 250 years as a nation, Christ Church parish has served the members of the community in Kent County, Maryland for 394 years. They are still going strong, with outreaches to those within and outside of their parish. Their Connections Ministry encourages members of the parish to help other members fulfill a variety of needs – from a homecooked meal, to a ride to a destination such as church or the doctor’s office – and more. 

The Butterfly Garden is a place of reflection that encourages parishioners to be aware of the environment, while honoring the memory of a beloved member of the church. They also offer education for future ministry, as well as children, youth and family ministries. Members of Christ Church Parish in Kent County, Maryland also are very active in the Backpack Ministry for Kids, and ministry to the displaced community through Haven Ministries. The congregation also participates in a ministry called, “Soup Group,” where members of the community can enjoy homemade soup by members of the congregation.

As we observe America’s 250th birthday, may we do as this historic church has seemingly done: appreciate and learn from the past with its meandering fluctuations – both good and bad – embrace the present, with its own set of joys and challenges, and anticipate a future filled with hope and love for all who live within our communities.

• Rebecca Jones

  Rebecca Jones is a freelance writer who lives in Seaford, Delaware, with her husband Tim and her youngest son—a musically gifted young man named Samuel. She is equally proud of her birds who have flown from the nest: Glenn, Daniel, and Rachel, and loves her role as mother-in-law to Taylor and Conner. She also relishes being referred to by a new title—"Oma." She is owned by her three beautiful kitties -- Shiloh, Fritzie, and Baby -- and plays frisbee with her playmate: a dog named "Ringo."

  Rebecca makes her spiritual home at Abundant Life Church, Donovan's Road, Georgetown, where she helps in whichever capacity she is able and available.

  Rebecca has had work published in trade magazines and in the former "Christian Woman" magazine. "Chicken Soup for the Soul" has published stories in two of their books. She has had short stories published in five different books.

  Rebecca has been a freelance newswriter for Morningstar Publications. She has been a freelance writer for web companies and organizations. In addition, she enjoys voice-over work, cake decorating, painting, and oral storytelling.

  Rebecca is Vice-President of Delmarva Christian Writers' Association -- a local writers' group that usually meets the third Saturday of every month at Abundant Life, beginning at 9:00 AM.

  She is currently working on personal writing projects, which include two plays, a book, a memoir, and a children's book or two. Rebecca can be reached at rebecca.jones.storyteller@gmail.com.