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Parish Profile 2000 CHRIST CHURCH, ACCOKEEK TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. WELCOME, MISSION STATEMENT and PRAYER 2. OUR COMMUNITIES - The Accokeek Community 3. - St. John's Chapel & Its Surrounding Community OUR HISTORY - Christ Church, Accokeek 4. - St John's Chapel, Pomonkey OUR CHURCHES - Properties and Physical Plants - Membership and Congregational Statistics - Financial and Budget Statistics - Fundraising - Parish Retreat - Worship Services 5. - Services ' 1999 PARISH ORGANIZATION - Vestry and Church Support - Christian Education, and Lay Participation - Acolytes, Choir, Altar Guild, Rose Guild 6. - Outreach A LOOK INWARD 7. THE RECTOR 8. DIRECTIONS 9. VESTRY and SEARCH COMMITTEE 10. EPILOGUE & CONTACT INFORMATION
WELCOME It is our fervent desire that our new rector be a strong and compassionate leader who possesses the ability to inspire the congregation to serve God while growing in both faith and spiritual commitment. We also recognize that, in order for our new rector to be successful, we as a congregation must be willing to increase our strengths, make improvements where possible, and strive to realize our true potential.
MISSION STATEMENT We are members of an extended family in Christ. Our mission is to continue our journey in faith, to be an outward and visible sign of the living Christ, and to use our time, talent, and treasure to nurture and support each other, the community, the diocese, and the world.
PRAYER Almighty God, Giver of every good gift; look graciously on your church and so guide our minds as we choose a priest for this parish; that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministry; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OUR COMMUNITIES The Accokeek Community The community of Accokeek, site of Christ Church, is not incorporated, is vaguely defined, and comes directly under Prince George's County for administration and services. The general boundaries, which seem to be accepted by local inhabitants, are Piscataway Creek to the north, the Potomac River to the west, the common boundary with Charles County to the south, and its eastern limit near the village of Piscataway and along Bealle Hill Road. This description closely approximates the limits of mail delivery from the Accokeek U.S. Post Office for Zip Code 20607, where 2,668 households are currently being served.
Accokeek is about ten miles south of Washington, DC. It is almost certain that the Indians settled the area before Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac in 1608. Land records state "On August 13, 1662, there was surveyed for Randle Hanson a tract of land containing 500 acres." The land was further described as being on the east side of the Piscataway River and '"nearest to an old Indian town called Aquakeeke."
In 1900 Accokeek was all farmland. Since then, it has evolved into a residential area for those working in metropolitan Washington. It remains rural in character, with much land still owned by descendants of our original settlers. Many of those names are still on our parish register, and some of our parishioners have been active in Christ Church for over 65 years. The majority of the population of Accokeek lives in several nearby subdivisions located along Indian Head Highway, SR 210. Current estimates indicate that there are about 5300 residents in Accokeek. The median cost for purchasing a typical three-bedroom home in Accokeek is $178,000, according to local real estate data. This is the third highest median cost in Prince George's County.
Christ Church is located in St. John's Parish, and neighbors King George Parish to the north, Piney Parish to the east, and St. James Parish to the south. Other churches in Accokeek include Whitehall Baptist, First Baptist, Church of God, Faith Methodist, the Kingdom Temple, and St. Mary's Catholic.
Businesses do not abound in Accokeek because of its rural nature. The downtown crossroads contains a bank, two realty offices, a barbershop, a carry-out, and an automotive service center. Elsewhere in the community are a beauty salon, an insurance agency, a dry cleaners, three more service stations, and two taverns. A major grocery store was recently completed, with plans for convenience shops and a public library branch. The U. S. Post Office was established in 1867.
For educational institutions, the community is serviced by Beddow School (grades 6-12), Ferguson Elementary School (628 students, grades K-5), Burroughs Middle School (713 students, grades 6-8), and Gwynn Park High School (1,289 students, grades 9-12), as well as other private/parochial schools in the area. Public school students also have the opportunity to attend numerous magnet programs in Prince George's County. High school students are bussed nine miles. Local bussing is provided for the other schools. American, George Washington, Georgetown, and Maryland Universities are within a convenient commute from Accokeek. There are also several smaller four-year colleges in the metropolitan area, as well as two-year Charles County and Prince George's County Community Colleges.
Recreational facilities in the area include a community swimming pool, ball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, and gymnasiums, either at our schools or within the community.
Four miles north is the Ft. Washington Medical Center (a satellite of the Greater Southeast Washington Hospital Center), which is equipped with an emergency care unit. Adjacent to the Medical Center is a medical office building. Also within this vicinity is an extended care facility combined with a home for the elderly.
The future for Accokeek will definitely be affected by increased population and a greater supporting infrastructure by local government and commercial enterprises. Public water and sewer service is now available in the majority of the area, and land values have increased accordingly, bringing with that rise an increased demand for more development. Much of the western portion of Accokeek is bound by covenants and scenic easements to the Department of the Interior, offering low-density residential living on a minimum five-acre parcel. Other areas have denser residential zoning stipulations. It is felt that Accokeek will lose a little of its rural character, and that the potential growth for Christ Church should follow the trend of the local area.
St. John's Chapel and Its Surrounding Community The community of Pomonkey, site of St. John's Chapel, is not incorporated, is vaguely defined like most rural Maryland areas, and comes directly under Charles County for administration and services. Pomonkey does not have its own post office; hence anyone residing within the area served by the Bryans Road Post Office (20616) can be said to be a part of the Pomonkey community. Further, anyone residing within several miles of St. John's Chapel can be considered part of the community. The general boundaries exist in the minds of the local inhabitants. Most people that live here consider themselves fortunate to live in a rural area and yet, be so close to a major mall (10 minutes away), notable museums (35 minutes away), and incredible leisure activities. There are approximately 9,400 people that live within these vague borders.
It is expected that the area will continue to see growth as the airport is expanded and an industrial park is built. It is a wonderful place to live. The area is laid back, with a friendly environment we have all come to love and enjoy.
OUR HISTORY Christ Church, Accokeek Christ Church is one of the six pre-Revolutionary churches built in the late 1600s to the early 1700s by the Church of England. Written accounts of this period suggest that conditions in this area were not conducive to religion, that missionaries were few, and the temper of the local population was not oriented toward normal Christian living. One missionary assigned to this region wrote the following to the Archbishop of Canterbury concerning community life here: "'also the Lord's Day is profaned, religion despised, & all notorious vices committed as that it has become a Sodom of uncleanness and a pest house of iniquity." The Church of England, under the constant urging of local missionaries, began to intensify its efforts in the area.
Early Organization On May 16, 1692, the first articles establishing the Church of England in the Province of Maryland were drawn up. Among the established parishes was Piscataway Parish (later named King George's Parish). A vestry was appointed, and at the first meeting they agreed to the purchase of approximately 78 acres of land at Broad Creek. A parish church was built and survives today as St. John's Church, Broad Creek, Ft. Washington.
Within a very few years of the establishment of Broad Creek, members living in the southern end of the parish found it inconvenient to travel the relatively long distance to the Broad Creek Church and initiated steps to build a Chapel of Ease in the Accokeek Creek region. The first prayer meetings were thought to be held sometime in the year 1698 in private homes.
Church Construction The first formal church structure was built a few years after the commencement of prayer meetings (1698) on the present site of Christ Church. No accurate description of the first building is included in records except notations that the structure was of frame construction typical of the period. The rector of Broad Creek held services in Accokeek three times a month. In 1745 the frame church was torn down, and rebuilt with brick. Close inspection will show that many bricks are fused into glass on the ends, a condition caused by their being too close to the fire in the old white oak-fired kilns. The walls are solid brick set in a Flemish bond pattern, twenty-four inches thick, and rest on clay subsoil. There are no footings or foundations under the walls as are used in modern construction. Although some alterations were made in following years, the original brick structure still serves as the current parish church.
It is of interest that Christ Church was constructed on private land. It remained on private land until December 14, 1843, when William Henry Lyles and his wife Eliza C. Lyles deeded the southern section of their farm, "Cherry Mount," on which the church stood, to the vestry in consideration of the sum of seventy-five dollars.
The congregation received recognition as a separate congregation in 1823, and in 1869 separated from Broad Creek Parish to form St. John's Parish. Parish boundaries started north at Piscataway Creek and ran between the course of Mattawoman Creek and the Potomac River.
In 1745, at the time of the building of the present brick structure, liturgical theologies were quite different from what they are today. The dictates of theologies at that time permitted no music during services, nor stained glass or colored windows of any description. The pews were of the typical colonial box type, and the pulpit was located on what is now the Epistle, or north side of the church, between the second and third windows. The main entrance was at what is now the second window on the Gospel or south wall, of the church. The original floor was brick, and the walls were plastered as they are today.
Christ Church has seen many turbulent years. The conditions in which it was started continued for many years. When the revolutionary fever became strong in the 1770s, the clergy often found themselves in considerable conflict with their congregations. One clergyman wrote: 'and for more than six months I preached, and when I did preach, with a pair of loaded pistols lying on the cushion.
It was not until after the Revolution that the churches in the colonies were formally separated from the Church of England. Clergymen were no longer bound, by conscience and administration, to loyalty to the throne of England.
As a unit of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States, Christ Church survived the presence of troops during the War of 1812 and, later, the occupation by the Union Army during the period 1861-65.
Modifications to the Church Building and Liturgy On Christmas Eve 1856, Christ Church burned. The fire was caused by a wood-burning heating stove. After the fire, only the thick brick walls were left intact. The congregation responded immediately, and in 1857 the church was rebuilt. The old walls were used, with a few courses of brick added toward the roof. At the time of rebuilding, however, radical alterations in design were introduced, resulting in the present structure. The Tractarian or Oxford movement, originating in England, had greatly altered the theological atmosphere in this country. Consequently, liturgical theologies had changed from the old puritan-oriented expression to a more ornate expression of the holy service. The church entrance was changed to the present location.
At this time, the present chancel was added at the east-end of the building. Stained glass windows were introduced at both the east and west ends of the church in ensuing years. The Rose Window on the west-end of the building was a memorial to the memory of The Rev. Charles Curtis, a former rector, and his wife, Margaret. It was installed in 1925. Conventional pews, all facing east, were installed rather than colonial pew boxes. A bell tower was added, and by this time music had become an integral part of the liturgy. The old Estey pump organ, currently located on the ground floor of the church, was built between 1890 and 1910. The rebuilt church was consecrated on June 18, 1857.
With the exception of routine maintenance and minor preservation efforts, the only alterations from the reconstruction work of 1857 to 1968 were the installation of a central heating system and new organs. An extensive preservation effort was undertaken in 1968. At that time, it was decided not to restore the church to its colonial appearance, but essentially to the style established during the 1857 reconstruction. During the preservation work, new pews and a wide center aisle were added, pipes and wiring hidden, the existing wood floor removed and a hexagonal brick floor laid down, balcony stairs were replaced with a circular stairway and the belfry replaced, as well as many lesser improvements. A Moeller pipe organ was installed in 1993. The current church is a pleasant blend of colonial and early Victorian styles.
The first rectory, a frame building, was built about 1845, and was destroyed by fire on November 29, 1929. It was rebuilt in 1933 on the approximate site of the first structure, and continues to serve as the rector's home.
Cemetery The historic burial grounds surrounding Christ Church have been in use since the Revolutionary War. The oldest burials are William R. Webster (1775), John Webster (1783), and Joanna Cox (1797). Their stones are located immediately to the right of the present entrance, although they are thought to have been buried elsewhere on the grounds and moved to their present location for security reasons. John Webster signed the Oath of Fidelity as a Revolutionary war patriot, and is recognized by the DAR. Many other notable local residents and past rectors are interred here, including Patrick Henry Bealle, (1889-1966) who was the great-great-grandson of Patrick Henry of Virginia. Records of those buried in the older sections of the cemetery were lost when the first rectory burned. The large oak tree near the end of the wall is more than 300 years old.
St. John's Chapel, Pomonkey In early Colonial days, Pomonkey was known as "Pomonkey Indian Land" for it was heavily populated by "Pomonceaks," as John Smith called them on his map of 1608. Later it became known as the 'Manor of Panquah' or 'Dent's Levels', but was always locally known as Pomonkey. The physical area is a plateau of land surrounded by the Great Mattawoman Swamp. The Indians had followed many trails from every point in Southern Maryland for the rich hunting and fishing in Pomonkey. These converging trails became roads for the European settlers. Hence, Pomonkey very early became a site of local commerce.
Background and Early Organization In 1823, the first log chapel was built as a 'Chapel of Ease' served by the rector of Christ Church, Accokeek, the Reverend Dr. Marbury. This early chapel burned to the ground. The industrious parishioners replaced this chapel with a modern frame building. The site chosen for the new chapel was on Bumpy Oak Road. In 1842 the new chapel was dedicated by Bishop Rollingson of the Diocese of Maryland. At that time, Bumpy Oak Road was a busy thoroughfare carrying mail and freight to the growing population.
General Joseph Hooker decided in 1861 that the chapel and its grounds would make a splendid stable and camp for his troops. However, the building and grounds were treated badly during this period and fell into disrepair. Following the end of the Civil War, the ever-diligent congregation repaired the damage, allowing the chapel to thrive along with the community. The building also housed a school for the local planters' children. A tutor was hired to provide the instruction, and the Chapel was a center of community life.
Present Chapel Construction In 1891, the United States Government started a Naval Proving Ground in nearby Indian Head. This grew into a factory for the production of smokeless powder. The Church leaders decided to build a larger church on the present site. The men of the Church, aided by the Halley brothers and supervised by a parishioner, Dr. Mitchell, erected the building. All of the furnishings, except the Bishop's chair currently located in the Chancel, were handmade by the people of the chapel. The chapel was dedicated in 1902 by Bishop Satterlee of the new Diocese of Washington.
In 1904 or 1905, the earlier chapel building (1842) on Bumpy Oak Road was moved to Indian Head and became the first St. James Church. The building still stands today as a private residence after over 150 years of continuous occupancy.
The 'Good Shepherd' stained glass window was installed in 1925 in memory of members of the Jenkins and Compton families. The font located in the rear of the church, the bell, and other stained glass windows are all memorials.
Cemetery The cemetery is insured by the Christ Church, Accokeek policy, and is maintained by a perpetual care fund started by Sarah Warren Jameson in the 1940s. Lloyd Hurlburt and William E. Highby have also managed the cemetery in the past. W. P. Jameson III is the present manager. There are five Confederate veterans interred there. There is also one unknown Confederate soldier buried there who died in the chapel sometime during the period following The War Between the States when veterans drifted through the area on their way home. Mary MacPherson, famous for her renowned quilts, is buried there in her family's plot.
OUR CHURCHES Properties and Physical Plants Beautiful Christ Church is located in Accokeek, Maryland, on a total of 17 acres of land at the intersection of Bryan Point and Farmington Roads, approximately one-half mile west of Indian Head Highway (MD 210). It is a fully restored historic church with seating for 150 in the nave and 17 in the balcony or choir loft. A cemetery of approximately three acres surrounds the church.
The parish hall is a 9,600 square-foot, two-story brick masonry structure containing the rector's office, a nursery, classrooms, school administration offices, a multipurpose room, library, and kitchen. The kitchen is well equipped, enabling us to serve approximately 1,000 people at our annual ham and oyster dinner. Next to the parish hall is a 6,000 square-foot covered pavilion for sports, drama, and community use. It was constructed in 1978.
The rectory is a two-story wood frame house with four bedrooms, 1½ baths, a kitchen, dining room, living room, and library. It has a rear deck, fenced rear yard and detached garage. The property has beautiful oak trees, one of which has been declared a national monument.
St. John's Chapel, Pomonkey, was built in 1901 on 1¼ acres facing Livingston Road, which branches off of Indian Head Highway about six miles south of Accokeek. The chapel is set away from the road on a large grassy field, partially wooded with large oak trees. The wood-framed building seats 60 persons and has wall-to-wall carpeting, full cathedral ceiling, curtained vesting room, and a basement undercroft.
Membership and Congregational Statistics Although the Washington metropolitan area is a highly transient area, our church and our community are not. St. John's Parish is best described as a group of family-oriented parishioners. More than 70 percent of our current membership has lived in the area and supported the parish for more than 10 years. The continuity and commitment provided by this strong and loyal base of parishioners form the cornerstone of our support and is one of our greater strengths. Even though we have a large nucleus of "old timers," the ages of our members are relatively evenly distributed.
Approximately 70 percent of our congregation are under 45 years of age. The contributions of the young adults in this group are vital to our church. Their energy and their talents are used to promote practically every facet of our worship and our administration.
Financial and Budget Statistics The general fund and certain restricted funds support the activities and life of Christ Church. The general fund provides for the church's normal operating expenses. The operating budget for 2000 is $95,800. The vestry resolves to commit the necessary financial support to any viable candidate within diocesan guidelines.
Fundraising For the past 73 years, Christ Church has sponsored a Ham and Oyster Dinner and Bazaar on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This event is the major fundraising project for the year. Through donations of some home-grown produce, homemade candy and other items, the church realizes a profit of approximately $7,800. However, in recent years, an annual Chrysanthemum Festival-Yard Sale has been held in September with the 1999 event resulting in a $2,000 profit. An annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is also held. This event raised approximately $900 last year. The Memorial Brick Walkway is an on-going long-term fundraiser, where single handmade bricks are sold in honor of, or in memory of, an individual, individuals, organizations, or pets
Parish Retreat Members of our congregation have gone on an annual weekend retreat to Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, Virginia, on the first weekend in May for the last 20 years. Shrine Mont is located in the Shenandoah Valley and provides a weekend we can spend together as a church family. At this retreat, we participate in discussion groups on various topics pertaining to religious and family life, and have fun getting to know each other better in a relaxed situation. This experience has been, and continues to be, one that promotes fellowship and is enjoyed by all those who attend. New families are encouraged to come.
Worship Services Approximately 240 services are conducted each year at Christ Church and St. John's Chapel. The services currently are: Christ Church * Sunday 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I (short sermon, no music) * Sunday 9:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite II (Rite I during Lent & Advent) (sermon and music) 1st, 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays Morning Prayer with Ministration of Communion * (sermon and music) 3rd Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School * 10:30 AM Adult Forum * Thursday 12 PM Bible Study (Holy Eucharist as scheduled by rector) * Other Holy Days as appropriate
St. John's Chapel * Sunday 11:30 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I * (10:45 AM summer) (sermon and music) 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays * Morning Prayer * (sermon and music) 2nd & 4th Sundays * Other Holy Days as appropriate * Joint services are held for Thanksgiving Day service
Services for 1999 were as follows: Holy Eucharist 130 Baptisms (all children) 4 Confirmations 5 Marriages 0 Burials 5 Weekday Services 10 Private Services 75 Other Services 26
PARISH ORGANIZATION Vestry Lay activities are supervised and directed by the Vestry and the Chapel Committee with the rector as the chairman of each group. The Vestry comprises eight members elected for two-year terms and a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden of buildings and grounds, and a member from the Chapel, each elected annually by the congregations. The Vestry elects annually a Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Registrar and Assistant Registrar. Maximum terms of office are as follows: o Senior Warden 3 years o Junior Warden 3 years o Vestry 2 years o Treasurer 3 years o Assistant Treasurer 3 years o Registrar 3 years o Assistant Registrar 3 years In addition to the normal vestry functions, each vestry person is assigned to oversee and report on at least one of the following ministries: o Treasure, Time & Talent o Buildings and Grounds o Communications/Records o Parish Staff o Parish Christian Nurture (Education/Worship/Socials) o Evangelism and Pastoral Care o Outreach o St. John's Chapel o Diocese and World
A vestry retreat is held annually after election of new members. Ministries' liaisons are determined, guest speakers may be present, and/or special areas of concern discussed during this time. The retreat provides a special block of time to acquaint new members with the vestry.
St. John's Chapel functions under Terms of Reference between the Vestry and the Chapel. The Chapel elects an independent Treasurer and Junior Warden.
Church Support Services The paid staff at St. John's Parish are the rector, the organist, and a part-time custodian. There has been a tradition of support from volunteers to take care of the following: telephone trees; typing, copying, and mailing of the newsletter; typing and copying of the Sunday bulletins; history and record keeping; and fundraisers (all aspects). The previous rector, with the support of the vestry, worked hard to have a seminarian each year from the Virginia Theological Seminary. Seminarians had multiple opportunities to preach at the Chapel in addition to their required three to four sermons at Christ Church.
Christian Education The Christian Education program at Christ Church includes Sunday school, the Christmas pageant, confirmation classes and adult forum. Sunday school and Adult forum at Christ Church follow the 9:00 a.m. service. The Sunday school lessons are based on a variety of Christian curricula adaptable to class size and age group. Approximately 33 youths from age 4 through teens attend these classes. The rector usually conducts the adult forum. Guest speakers and parishioners are sometimes invited to |