Epiphany Episcopal Church http://www.epiphanyforestville.org/

 

This year we will celebrate St. George’s Day at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Forestville.  This is the first time that the Historical Society has visited this lovely historic church, and it promises to be a very special occasion.

Epiphany Episcopal Church is a fine example of Gothic Revival ecclesiastical architecture.  The first Episcopal chapel in the town of Long Old Fields (now Forestville) was established as a mission by Henry Kershaw, Rector of Trinity Church, Upper Marlboro, in 1862.  Worship was held at first in a small wooden chapel, and the nave of today’s church was completed in 1871 when the mission became an independent parish known as Epiphany.  It was a simple gable-roofed board-and-batten structure; handsome buttress supports were added late in the 19th century between the lancet windows of the east and west sides of the nave.  In 1904 a three-level bell tower was constructed at the southeast corner of the building; a Latin cross rises from the top of the belfry.  A large addition was added at the north end of the church circa 1940.  The church and its adjoining cemetery are located on a large grassy lot, with entrance from Ritchie Road through two handsome brick gates.  The parish hall (Canterbury Hall), built in 1960, stands to the west of the church; it serves as an auditorium and banquet hall.

Dinner will be served in Canterbury Hall, catered by Pineapple Alley of Mount Airy, and will be followed by our traditional presentation of St. George’s Day awards.  Tours of the church and cemetery will follow our program, led by a member of the church.  Invitations were sent out last week, and we hope that you have received yours.  Reservations are required. If you have any questions, please email John Peter Thompson at info “at” pghistory.org.  We look forward to seeing you on St. George’s Day!