Old Brick
Old Brick in 1937
Our Old Brick Church is the second church building to stand on the property of Christ Episcopal Church, on a two-acre plot deeded to the parish in 1738 by Caleb Dorsey. Erected in 1809, possibly on the timber foundation of the earlier pre-1728 church building, it was constructed by area craftsmen using local brick and timber. The frame sacristy was added in approximately 1835. Old Brick was consecrated in 1811 by the Right Reverend Thomas Claggett, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Maryland. It is the oldest church building still in use in Howard County.
Old Brick Church is one of the first Episcopal churches built in Maryland after the Revolutionary War when the Church of England, the Episcopal Church’s parent church, was disestablished as the state religion. Like all the first generation Episcopal Churches in Maryland (1776-1814), Christ Church is very small and plain compared to its Colonial predecessors and its successors built through the next two centuries. It is significant that it was not replaced by a larger and more elaborate building during the subsequent years, nor did it experience significant alterations to its size or sophistication. In contrast to the small size and extreme simplicity of Old Brick, the most significant and astonishing detail is the interior gallery around three sides, a feature generally found only in larger and more formal churches of the Colonial period.
Old Brick Bell Installation
Restoration began in 2005 with an architectural condition assessment by James T. Wollon, Jr., AIA. Mr. Wollon is a noted expert on Maryland church architecture. Based on his recommendations, the first work completed in 2007 was an historically appropriate cedar shingle roof installed by Ruff Roofers. Further work in 2007 included: electrical upgrades by Blue Jay Electric; restoration of the early 19th C. bell by McShane Bell Foundry; restoration of the 1909 Centennial stained glass windows by Artisan Glass Works; and landscaping and brick walks by Outdoor Architects.
In 2008, the majority of the exterior restoration work was completed by Herman Construction. This work included Federal period redesign of front door surrounds and replacement of 20th C. glue chip window glass with historic reproduction clear glass. Exterior shutters and modern sacristy clapboards were replaced; all wood trim was repainted in historic colors. The sacristy has a new exterior Federal-period light and new granite steps have been ordered. This work has brought Old Brick much closer to its historic appearance, and added greatly to our enjoyment of the 1809-style services held on August 23, 2009 to celebrate Old Brick’s 200th Anniversary.
Interior restoration by Herman Construction commenced in 2009 with replacement of damaged woodwork and plaster. Additional work planned for the winter includes fire code improvements for the boiler closet, filling old vents in the 1958 brick floor, restoration of brass elements, new radiator covers and stair treads, and additional plaster repair. Additional funds are still being sought to complete interior painting, restoration of the sacristy interior, and procurement of period-appropriate furnishings.
All restoration work is being undertaken with the greatest care to retain as much as possible of the original fabric of the church, plus its 1909 Centennial additions, using contractors with extensive experience in historic structures, recommended by the Maryland Historic Trust and Mr. Wollon. Inappropriate alterations made in the past are being reversed where possible, and the original appearance of features restored as closely as can be determined with the minimal documentation available. We hope to have the full restoration essentially complete in 2011, when we celebrate the 300th anniversary of Queen Caroline Parish and our worship at this location.
Old Brick Church - Columbia, MD
Old Brick Church has been listed since 1978 on the National Register of Historic Places. In May 2006, Old Brick was added to Preservation Howard County’s annual list of the Most Endangered Historical Sites in Howard County. The list highlights properties in Howard County that the nonprofit society, which is dedicated to saving historic sites, considers endangered and in need of public support to preserve. All restoration work to date has been funded by members of the parish, supporting their belief that good stewardship mandates the preservation of a structure that sheltered our spiritual ancestors and served as a community anchor in the early years of Howard County. We welcome support from the modern inhabitants of our community who recognize the value of preserving our shared heritage for future generations.
Support for the ongoing restoration of Old Brick Church is gratefully accepted. Photographic images of Old Brick from before 1900 are particularly sought for architectural verification. Inscribed bricks commemorating your Christ Church ancestor or favorite parish memory are available for placement in front of Old Brick. For more information, or to make a donation, please email us or contact The Friends of Old Brick.
