On our most recent trip to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge, MD, Bill and I heard about Old Trinity Church from Jay Smolins at J-Bird’s Church Creek Cafe. Jay said it was just down the road, and really was worth visiting. He was right. The Old Trinity Church and Cemetery are well worth stopping to see.

Old Trinity Church (c) 2008 Patty Hankins

The history of Old Trinity Church dates back to the late 1600’s when the original church was built by English settlers. In 1853, the church was remodeled in the style of a Gothic church. A century later, in the 1950’s, the church was again remodeled – this time it was restored to the style of a 17th century church. Old Trinity Church has been a Protestant Episcopal church since the late 1700’s. Currently, Episcopal services are held at the church.

Old Trinity Church (c) 2008 Patty Hankins

The church is surrounded by the Old Trinity Cemetery. Among the people buried in the Old Trinity Cemetery are six Revolutionary War veterans, four veterans from the War of 1812 and several from the Civil War. Governor Thomas Carroll of Maryland and his daughter Anna Ella Carroll who advised President Lincoln are also buried here.

The church bell is mounted on a post near the front of the church, rather than in a steeple.

Old Trinity Church Bell (c) 2008 Patty Hankins

Old Trinity church and cemetery are located on 89 acres of land on Route 16 in Church Creek, Maryland. It is about 8 miles south of the intersection of Hwy 50 and Hwy 16 in Cambridge, and about five miles away from Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re in the area, be sure to take a few minutes to visit the Old Trinity Church.