The Bridge: Celebrate America's 250th The Bridge Celebrates America's 250th with profiles of local colonial churches, local historic sites, local historic figures, and ways colonists practiced their faith while building a new nation. https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/celebrate-america-250/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:38:31 +0000 en Copyright 2026 The Bridge Aiir http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Caesar Rodney Caesar Rodney was a prominent figure in Delaware's history and a key leader during the American Revolutionary War. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/celebrate-america-250/post/caesar-rodney/ o614-2099-6a0b180d6bd09 The Bridge Local Colonial Historic Figures Caesar Rodney (October 7, 1728 – June 26, 1784) was a prominent figure in Delaware's history and a key leader during the American Revolutionary War. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress, where he was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Rodney also held the position of president of Delaware from 1778 to 1782 and was an officer in the Delaware militia during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. His contributions were vital in advocating for independence and shaping the early governance of Delaware.

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84974 Barratt's Chapel in Frederica, Delaware In 1780, Phillip Barratt - landowner, sheriff, and merchant - donated land so a house of ministry could be built. By that autumn, Barratt’s Chapel was ready... Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/celebrate-america-250/post/barratts-chapel-frederica-delaware/ o614-2099-6a10900fc6692 Rebecca Jones Local Colonial Churches By the time our forefathers signed their names to the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago, a revival movement shook the walls in the Church of England. The Methodist Movement began in 1729 with John and Charles Wesley. While students at Oxford, the brothers decided with some friends to form “The Holy Club” – a more precise and measured means of studying the Bible and of conducting their lives as followers of Christ.  People who didn’t understand mocked them and called them “Methodists.” 

However, the Wesley brothers broke with the traditions of the Anglican church and preached outdoors to the working class. As their numbers grew, they formed accountability groups. They trained others and sent them out to preach the Gospel. Methodism grew in the colonies as members of the Methodist Societies made America their home. 

John Wesley sent eight lay ministers to the colonies in 1771 to care for the 600 Methodist believers who had settled in America. However, it seemed as if the movement had hit a brick wall when the winds of revolution filled the air. During the Revolutionary War, only two ministers remained in the United States; the rest returned to England. Of the two lay ministers, one gave up full-time preaching to become a farmer and preached only occasionally. The other was Francis Asbury. By the time he died in 1816, Francis Asbury had ordained over 2,000 Methodist ministers to tend to over 200,000 members of Methodism. 

In 1778, a Methodist Society was formed north of Frederica, Delaware. One of the members was Phillip Barratt, landowner, sheriff, and merchant. In 1780, he donated land so a house of ministry could be built. By the autumn of 1780, Barratt’s Chapel was ready. 

On November 14th, 1784, Phillip Barratt had died a mere 14 days before Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke made their way to Barrett’s Chapel. The two experienced a meeting that would become the impetus for the nickname bestowed upon Barrett’s Chapel: “The Cradle of Methodism.” 

Following the historic Sunday service, the sacraments of Baptism and Communion were administered for the first time by an ordained Methodist Minister on United States soil. Following the church service, the widow Barrett invited the two esteemed ministers to take dinner at her home. It was there that they discussed plans to gather all Methodist clergy on Christmas Day. The Methodist Episcopal Church was formed at the Christmas Conference in Baltimore, becoming a separate denomination. 

Since it was first built, Barrett’s Chapel at 6362 Bay Road in Frederica has had only two exterior changes: the conversion of two large first-floor windows into doors and the addition of a gable window. Inside, various changes have been made, and some of the chapel’s original furnishings are housed in the museum next to the church. A star marks the spot on the floor where Francis Asbury and Thomas Cooke met for the first time. Barratt’s Chapel is the oldest structure in the United States of America that was built by Methodists for Methodists.  

An anniversary service is held annually the second Sunday in November. The Sunday before Christmas, Barratt’s Chapel opens its doors for a special Christmas service. While the church sits next door to an 11-acre cemetery that is the final resting place of those who were and were not born free, the cemetery is not under the care of the chapel or museum. Graves date from 1785 to the present, and include the Barratt family.

Barratt’s Chapel and Museum is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The museum also houses an extensive collection of books and papers that would delight a serious researcher seeking to learn more about the early history of Methodism in the United States. To schedule a tour, wedding, baptism, or other special event, call 302-335-5544.

While this church was built during the American Revolutionary War, the groundwork these men laid helped our nation count on His provision during good times and bad over the past 250 years of our nation’s independence.

 

  • 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.

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/85066 Old Christ Church in Laurel, Delaware Old Christ Church has existed in two different countries and three different states while remaining in the exact same spot where it was built between 1770 and 1772... Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/celebrate-america-250/post/old-christ-church-laurel-delaware/ o614-2099-6a108d49104a0 Rebecca Jones Local Colonial Churches Which church has had a location in two different countries and three different states while remaining in the exact same spot where it was built between 1770 and 1772? That would be none other than Old Christ Church, where Chipman’s Pond Road and Christ Church Road meet just outside of Laurel, Delaware. Before the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain 250 years ago, on July 4th, there were some disputes among the colonies regarding Broad Creek. 

During the building of the Anglican Church, not only were the colonies facing trouble from England, but two other significant events occurred in the vicinity. One, Maryland and Pennsylvania were working to establish the borders between the two colonies. The Penn and Calvert families were in a heated dispute regarding the borders – until the Mason/Dixon Line was established. Until the year 1775, the “hundred” at Broad Creek was considered Maryland territory.

Two, while the “Three Lower Counties” of Pennsylvania were given legislative autonomy, the colony of Delaware fought to establish itself as a colony in its own right. On June 15th, 1776, legislators voted to separate not only from Great Britain, but also from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.   On September 20, 1776, the constitution for the state of Delaware was officially adopted. 

Meanwhile, Christ Church in Broad Creek served the area as a “Chapel of Ease” for Stephney Parish. The land close by was an Indian reservation – until the tribe moved to Western Pennsylvania. Soon, people started to settle close to the church beginning in 1789, and a mercantile was established at Broad Creek. 

Following the Revolutionary War, Old Christ Church became affiliated with the Episcopalian Church. Four Delaware governors have been members of Old Christ Church: Nathaniel Miller (1805-1808); William B. Cooper (1841-1845); William H. Ross (1851-1855); and Elbert N. Carvel (1949-1953 and 1961-1965). Governor Nathaniel Miller is buried beside the Old Christ Church. 

After St. Philip’s Episcopal Church was built in 1848, regular services discontinued at Old Lightwood. However, to this day, St. Philip’s holds traditional 18th-century services July through September on the first Sunday of the month at 10:00 AM, as well as major holidays. 

Old Christ Church is one of the few unaltered wooden structures of its kind in the United States. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. It is the Chesapeake region’s only 18th-century frame church with its interior details intact. There is no plumbing, no electricity, and the interior wood remains unpainted. It includes box pews as well as a slave’s gallery. The structure outside is painted barn red. 

The church is open on certain occasions, such as the monthly summer services. The building is also available for weddings. Free public tours are offered on the first Sunday of the month between 1:00 and 4:00 PM through the Laurel, Delaware Historical Society. Old Christ Church also serves as a stop for both the Delaware History Tour and the Nanticoke Heritage Byway.

As we remember America’s 250th anniversary, may we remember the spiritual heritage that has guided us as a nation.

  • 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.

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/85065 Trinity Episcopal "Old Swedes" Church in Swedesboro, New Jersey Trinity Episcopal Old Swedes Church is the only parish in New Jersey that has been in active service for over 300 years. It’s also the third-oldest Swedish Church in the United States... Sun, 04 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/celebrate-america-250/post/trinity-episcopal-old-swedes-church-swedesboro-new-jersey/ o614-2099-6a108b6cdb76e Rebecca Jones Local Colonial Churches When we tend to think about the origins of our nation, we can easily forget that before we signed the Declaration of Independence from British rule 250 years ago, settlers from other nations came to the New World to form communities in the name of their countries of origin. For example, before New York was named after York, England, it began as “New Amsterdam.” The same can be said of a certain stretch of land that became part of New Jersey. 

Even though the Anglo-Dutch Wars in the middle 1600’s established that land formerly known as Dutch territory belonged to England thereafter, it did not stop groups from other nations from settling in the new colonies. The history of Trinity Church begins in 1703, when a log cabin was built by Swedish and Finnish settlers to serve as a church in the territory known at the time as New Sweden. 

The Swedish Lutherans on the east side of the Delaware River grew tired of making the time-consuming and hazardous trek across the river to attend Lutheran services in Christina or Wicaco (now Wilmington, Delaware) and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The church the settlers built – The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church at Raccoon – became the first Swedish church built in New Jersey. Clergymen were sent directly by the Lutheran Church of Sweden to tend to the congregants from the church's founding in 1703 until 1786.

The church, situated along the much-traveled King's Highway, began to lease land to settlers. Some of those leases stretched into the early 1900’s.  The people of the growing town renamed Raccoon, “Swedesboro.”

But with the American Revolution came troubled times for the last rector of the Lutheran Church – Reverend Nicholas Collin. During the war, it was rumored that Reverend Collin held pro-Tory sentiments, which did not sit well with the Patriot soldiers. The militia held him prisoner. He said he was “under close guard by a strong escort with loaded guns and fixed bayonets, and judging from their barbaric expressions, I often expected death.”

For a few weeks, American General Anthony Wayne’s troops used the church as a barracks. Wayne used the minister’s home as his headquarters. Not only was the church occupied at one time by American troops, but it was almost burned to the ground by British forces. British General Cornwallis was on his way to the Battle of Red Bank when he spied Trinity and was determined to destroy it. However, he mistook the Lutheran church for an Anglican Church when he saw clergymen dressed in vestments.  He assumed it was a funeral and instead commanded his men to pause to bow their heads in respect of the dead.

Reverend Collins was the last Lutheran minister assigned to the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church. With the changing of a new nation, a denominational shift also occurred. Changes also were in store for the building itself.

Due to the log cabin's age and the wear and tear from the soldiers’ occupation, construction began on a new church. The church was built in 1783, with a Georgian design similar to Christ Church and St. Peter’s Church in Philadelphia.  It was at that time that Reverend Collins left, the church switched to an Episcopal affiliation, and Reverend John Croes became the church's first Episcopal minister. He later became the first Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey.

The building that was erected in 1783 has steadily served its parishioners and the community of Swedesboro ever since. In 1838, an impressive tower was added to the church, rumored to have been designed by the architect of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, William Strickland. In the mid-1990’s, Old Swedes underwent a major architectural and structural restoration. In 2005, another restoration project stabilized the bell tower and some roof trusses. They also changed the roof to resemble its original wood shingles. 

For the past 250 years, our nation has welcomed people from all nations, creeds, ages, and stations. Trinity Episcopal Old Swedes Church is considered a National Historical landmark. It is the only parish in New Jersey that has been in active service for over 300 years. It’s also the third-oldest Swedish Church in the United States. Former members include two brigadier generals and a former governor. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. Sunday worship is 10:30 AM weekly at 1208 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, New Jersey.

 

  • 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.

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/85064 Fairfield Presbyterian Church in Cumberland County, New Jersey In 1680, along the Cohansey River in Fairton, New Jersey, settlers built a log cabin that served as the Puritans’ meeting house. It was first called “Christ’s Church of Fairfield”... Sat, 03 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/celebrate-america-250/post/fairfield-presbyterian-church-cumberland-county-new-jersey/ o614-2099-6a1052841d260 Rebecca Jones Local Colonial Churches As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, may we remember those who came before. They were the people who became the foundational stones of our nation. And many in the nation's earliest years came for one reason: religious freedom. That was the case of the Puritans, who first arrived in Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, in 1620. As the Puritan movement grew, they explored new territory in which to live in worship. One group of Puritans made their way from Fairfield, Connecticut, to southern New Jersey. 

There, along the Cohansey River in Fairton, New Jersey, in 1680, the settlers built a log cabin that served as the Puritans’ meeting house. It was first called “Christ’s Church of Fairfield” or “Old New England Town Church.” By 1708, the members no longer considered themselves Congregationalists, but embraced Presbyterianism, instead. 

With changes occurring in the colonies, changes also occurred at Fairfield Presbyterian Church. Due to deterioration, the first church was torn down and replaced by a New England-style frame building sometime between 1713 and 1715. The second building needed to be torn down in 1775. A major problem ensued. The American Revolution was in full swing. 

The tenth pastor of Fairfield Presbyterian Church – William Hollingshead – led the congregation during those uncertain times during the birth of a nation. He faced one major problem. He had the congregation; the church was in possession of 800 feet of lumber and 200 loads of stone at the building site – a mere mile east of the original log church. But the members of the congregation had no building in which they could meet. 

Then, the British Army confiscated their building materials to erect a wharf. They decided to set up a pulpit and pews under an oak tree near the site of the original church. In the midst of fighting between Patriots and Tories during the Revolutionary War, Reverend Hollingshead led weekly services under the old oak tree until 1780, when British troops moved farther south. In 1780, a new building was erected, later known as “The Old Stone Church,” north of Cedarville on Route 553.

In 1850, more changes occurred for the Presbyterian charge. The congregants moved from The Old Stone Church and erected the building that Fairfield Presbyterian Church has used to this day. It is currently led by Pastor Christopher Mark O’Brien, the 44th minister to act as shepherd for the congregation. Fairfield Presbyterian Church is considered the oldest existing congregation in the Presbyterian Church of America, since joining in 1980. Prior to 1980, the church was independent for ten years following its departure from the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America in 1970.

The Old Stone Church, built in 1780, no longer functions as a meeting place for the members of the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, but it is featured on the “Explore Cumberland County HEAR HERE Podcast Series.” When you arrive at the church, there will be a sign with a QR code you can scan, then listen to more information. Local historical societies offer tours of the building on special occasions. It is also on the National Registry of Historic Places. Special services are held once or twice a year, there, due to a lack of electricity, plumbing, or heating in the building.

The Fairfield Presbyterian Church has stood strong during the winds of change for over 350 years. It welcomes anyone who wants to worship with them on Sunday, starting at 10 am. Sunday School is at 11:20 AM, and Sunday evening worship begins at 6 pm. They also offer Tuesday Women’s Bible Study, Wednesday Tabletalk Study and Prayer, Friday Men’s Prayer Group, and Saturday Men’s Study Group.

 

  • 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.

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/85051 Third Haven Meeting House in Talbot County, Maryland Third Haven Meeting House in Easton, Maryland, has peaceably worshipped at the same meeting place since 1681. Considered the oldest documented building in the state of Maryland and the oldest known frame church still in use in the United States... Sat, 03 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/celebrate-america-250/post/third-haven-meeting-house-talbot-county-maryland/ o614-2099-6a1087e8d1874 Rebecca Jones Local Colonial Churches During the past 250 years since our nation’s birth, there have been things that remain the same. They are unalienable rights that have helped the United States maintain steadfastness in the midst of change and stand in the midst of chaos. We have mourned as one, many times since 1776, and we have celebrated our victories. We have not always been understood by other nations.

One church that has stood the test of time in these United States is Third Haven Meeting House, 405 South Washington Street, Easton, Maryland. They have peaceably worshipped at the same meeting place since 1681 – considered the oldest documented building in the state of Maryland and the oldest known frame church still in use in the United States. Many times, this religious group has been misunderstood through the years.

Third Haven Meeting House was built on three acres of land bought from John Edmondson by a group of Quakers – otherwise known as “The Religious Society of Friends.” William Southeby was one of the original builders of the church building. Southeby was the first native-born American to write against slavery. 

But before land was bought, or building commenced, George Fox, the founder of the Quakers, visited the community in 1673. When he returned to England, he sent the Religious Society of Friends many books, which they later housed at the Third Haven Meeting House after the building's completion in 1684. The collection of books became the earliest established public library in Talbot County. 

The members of the Meeting House have kept impeccable records of the Friends’ business transactions from 1676 to the present. Their historical value earned these written transactions a place in deposit at the Hall of Records in Annapolis, Maryland.

The first meeting at the Third Haven Meeting House was in the autumn of 1684. At one time or another, Quakers of note have worshipped at the meeting house, including William Penn, John Woolman, John Fothergill, Samuel Bowman, and Rufus Jones. When William Penn held a great meeting in the yard in 1770, his presence attracted a vast array of people, including Lord and Lady Baltimore. 

While some members of the Third Haven Meeting House were opposed to slavery, there remained a contingent of those among the worshippers who still owned other humans. The leadership at Third Haven began to “disown” members who owned a slave. It caused a split in the church, where some left the group. Finally, among those who were part of the Religious Society of Friends, they officially disowned slaveowners from their fellowship. Eventually, the divide regarding slave ownership was too deep; other meeting houses closed their doors, except Third Haven.

Throughout the years, various changes have been made to the building and the grounds surrounding Third Haven Meeting House. Prior to 1789, the only way to access the meeting house was by boat. In 1789, ground was purchased to create a lane for horses and buggies.  In 1797, a 12-foot extension was added to the western side of the building. They also changed the entrance door. “Annie’s Cottage” was built in the 1860’s; it now serves as a workshop and storage.  In 1880, a brick building was built on the site to accommodate worshippers in the winter. 

In the 1940’s, the group acquired four more acres of land. “The Common Room” – a building located behind the brick building – was built in 1982 as a place to engage the community and serve as an activity space for its members. In 1990, the group faced dire straits when termites began to infest the building. With help from the Maryland Historical Trust, they lifted the church, installed a brick foundation, and then lowered it back upon the new foundation. Other than those changes, it has basically maintained the same look as when it was first built.  A caretaker has lived on site since at least 1958 in a two-bedroom cottage.

During a Quaker service, members wait for a word from the Lord. If moved by the Spirit, they can speak. Because it’s unprogrammed worship, there is no lead pastor at Third Haven Meeting House. Quakers are a diverse group of people, as diverse as the citizens of the United States. Children’s programs and Worship are every Sunday at 10:00 AM. They also conduct services every Wednesday at 5:30 PM. For a tour of the facilities, call 410-822-0293.

  • 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.

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/85063 Old Trinity Church in Church Creek, Maryland Old Trinity Church has stood for over 350 years as a beacon of endurance, and is the oldest church building still in continuous use in the United States... Fri, 02 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/celebrate-america-250/post/old-trinity-church-church-creek-maryland/ o614-2099-6a0b178d6eaf7 Rebecca Jones Local Colonial Churches If a church building could represent the joys, tribulations, accomplishments, vision for the future, and hope for restoration that our nation has endured for over 250 years, it could be Old Trinity Church, 1718 Taylors Island Road, Church Creek, Maryland. This building has stood for over 350 years as a beacon of endurance. Old Trinity Church is the oldest church building still in continuous use in the United States.

Originally known as The Church in Dorchester Parish, the church was built between 1675 and 1690 as part of the Anglican Church movement along the shores of Church Creek.  Handmade bricks were used to build the English Bond Style structure, which stands 38 feet by 20 feet. As was typical in the early days of the colonies before the American Revolution, Old Trinity’s church building served not only as a place of worship, but it was also the community center, as well as a court of law. Following the American Revolution, they became associated with the Episcopalians.

In the 1850’s, the church's name was changed to “Trinity.” A huge renovation project was also underway, as the interior was changed to a “gothic style” popular at that time period. However, as time marched on, Trinity’s survival was at stake, as parishioners left and sought employment in larger populated areas. Not only were fewer people attending the church, but the building itself also experienced the ravages of time. One wall in particular needed buttress support to stand. The roof was in dire need of repair, and wood was rotting away inside Old Trinity. In spite of the issues affecting it from within and without, a small group dedicated itself to worship in this structure that most would have torn down. Their decision to stay faithful helped save the 18th-century structure. 

“The Old Trinity Church Association” was established in 1928 to help maintain the buildings on the premises. Workers found original floor tiles under wooden flooring installed during the 1850’s restoration. Then, the daughter of car manufacturer Walter Chrysler – Bernice Chrysler Garbish – and her husband, Edgar, made a generous donation to help restore the church to its original state from 1675.  

Restoration crews found heart pine in barns in Pennsylvania and Maryland dating to the 17th and 18th centuries and used it to rebuild the pulpit and box pews. Meticulous efforts were made to strengthen the walls of Old Trinity. The Old Trinity Church Association eventually changed its name to “Friends of Old Trinity” in 2018, with the goal of continuing restoration not only at Old Trinity but also at other historic churches in the diocese.

As the United States entered the new millennium, the congregation at Old Trinity looked to the future while preserving its past. Since 2014, they have undertaken projects to maintain and improve the facility. Members of Old Trinity also formed “The South Dorchester Good Neighbors” to provide community outreach programs such as a weekly “food for learning” program, an Angel Tree program to assist children at Christmas, gift card assistance for families in crisis situations, as well as holiday food boxes for families struggling to get by. They are also involved in a vast array of community partnerships. They’ve participated in the “Trees for Sacred Spaces” program, as well. 

All of these outreach programs in which the members of Old Trinity participate are indicative of their mission, which seems simple, yet complex: “a place of restoration.” It’s built upon a threefold spiritual foundation. They seek sacramental restoration – between mankind and God, ecological restoration – preserving and protecting the earth with which God entrusted us, and relational restoration – repairing the breach that separates us as individuals. 

Father Dan Dunlap is the current rector of Old Trinity Church, where he has served for more than a decade. The church and its cemetery are open daily from dawn to dusk. Interior tours are available by calling 410-228-2940 or emailing rector@oldtrinity.net. Sunday morning prayer and Holy Communion are held weekly at 11 AM. 

The Old Graveyard is the resting place of veterans of every war fought on American soil, including six American Revolutionary soldiers, four from the War of 1812, as well as both Union and Confederate soldiers from the Civil War. It is also the site where Anna Ella Carroll – author, Civil War reporter, and “unofficial member of Abraham Lincoln’s cabinet” lies. Her father, former Maryland governor Thomas Carroll, is also buried in the Carroll Family plot. Nearby, the church allows burials on the property at the cemetery.

 

  • 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.

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84973 Christ Church Parish on Kent Island in Stevensville, Maryland The oldest congregation in Maryland was founded in 1880. Celebrating 392 Years of Christian Ministry on Maryland’s Eastern Shore... Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/celebrate-america-250/post/christ-church-stevensville-maryland/ o614-2099-6a0b15f4efe31 Rebecca Jones Local Colonial Churches 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.

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. 

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.

 

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