Lecture: The Story of Old Trinity Church in Dorchester April 24

For over 300 years, Old Trinity Church in Dorchester County has been the home of generations of faithful Episcopalians, members of the only denomination ever to enjoy legal status in colonial Maryland. Its current rector, the Rev. Dan Dunlap, will present an engaging lecture and slide presentation on the history of the church, including its restoration in the 20th century. While the exact date of its construction is not known for certain, the Andrew Hepburn architectural survey states “possibly before 1680,” which would make it America’s oldest church still in active use.

Building on his knowledge of 17th century English history and colonization in the New World, Fr. Dan provides a remarkable visual history of the church in its greater context, bringing fresh appreciation to the times and the character of a people who were among the first to practice their Christian faith on the Eastern Shore. His slides also feature many images of the Garbisch family restoration in the 1950s, the source of much of what we know about the church today.

This free lecture will be held at Trinity Cathedral on Tuesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. Preservationists and historians alike will find the lecture and slides of this stunning church a unique experience.

The Rev. Dan Dunlap and his family moved to Dorchester County, Maryland in 2014. In addition to Old Trinity Church, Fr. Dan also serves John’s Chapel, Cornersville. He did his studies at Penn State University, Biblical Theological Seminary, Hatfield, PA, Drew University, Madison, NJ, and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, where he received his doctorate in 2001. He went on to teach at various seminaries and colleges, most recently as Professor of Historical Theology and Dean of the Faculty at Houston Graduate School of Theology. Throughout his career he also has been actively engaged in church ministry, serving parishes in Philadelphia, PA, Exeter, England, and Tomball, TX. Lately he has enjoyed teaching for the Institute of Adult Learning at Chesapeake College (Cambridge Center) in the areas of Science & Religion and Christian History.

This lecture is being presented by All Faith Episcopal Chapel. For information, call 410 820 4264 or write [email protected]. Trinity Cathedral is located 315 Goldsborough Street.