Durham's history begins with a log church on the present site, circa 1692, which was replaced by a one-story brick building in 1734. Complete restoration of the church was necessary in 1792, due to its deplorable condition after the Revolutionary War. Existing walls were raised to the present height as a part of the restoration, which also included the construction of a Vestry Building, no longer in existence. Galleries were built on three sides of the church, and inside and outside stairways were added to reach them.
Fifty years later, in 1843, restoration was again necessary, at which time the galleries were removed from the east and south sides, the outside stairways removed, a new, attached Vestry Room added, and the interior changed to its present configuration. The church has remained the same, except for the addition of a bell tower in 1942 in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Parish and in memory of General William Smallwood. A beautiful brick serpintine wall was errected in front of the church in honor of George Washington, 1732-1932, by the Maryland Society of the Colonial Dames of America.
Thirty-nine pastors have served historic Durham Church. Of these, four rectors stand out as having given pre-eminent service to the Parish. They are: the Reverend William McChonchie, 1711-1742; the Reverend Walter H. Harrison, 1779-1797; the Reverend Robert Prout, 1824-1880; and the Reverend Reginald B. Stevenson, 1925-1952.
Revolutionary War patriots associated with the church include George Mason, General William Smallwood, Robert Hanson Harrison, and General Mitchell.
Information compiled by Mr. George C. Dyson
twbull@erols.com
Last Revised: 8/4/96 |
Christ Church, Durham Parish8685 Ironsides Rd. Nanjemoy, MD 20662 (301) 743-7099 |