One thing you hope you’ll find on any road trip is something unexpected. So, imagine us driving along Maryland Hwy. 333 outside Oxford, MD on our way to Assateague, VA and finding this little collection of white buildings. Although all were closed and locked with no one onsite to talk to, we took pictures, savored the moments spent there and did a bit of research later at home.
Talbot County’s John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church (founded 1838), served Oxford Neck and its population of whites and African Americans (50% free, 50% enslaved) until 1993 when the congregation was disbanded. The site was a place of worship (Easton Circuit register documents list 31 white and 26 black members worshiping together in 1851), but it was also a place for the recruitment of Union solders for the U. S. Colored Troops. The church’s online history mentions that almost all documents and church records were lost.
In 2012, area residents formed the John Wesley Preservation Society for the purpose of reinforcing and renovating existing structures in order to preserve the history and lifestyle of Talbot County African-Americans.
You can’t help but be struck by the simplicity of the buildings, none of which had air conditioning or electricity.
A cook shop provided meals and refreshments for church goers, but it seemed quite small compared to what we see at churches today.
Out back, a cemetery offers some history of those buried there, but the Preservation Society requests help in identifying the 64 unnamed gravesites and markers found in the burial site.
Although there were traditional markers in the cemetery, we were intrigued by what appeared to be concrete graves with curved coverings. (If any of you know something about these, please leave us a comment below.)
Through the efforts of numerous businesses and interested people in Talbot County, Maryland, and beyond, the John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church in Oxford Neck is definitely a sweet find . . . .
and one that will remain with us for a long, long time.
Keep your eyes open — you never know what you’ll find on a road trip!
Rusha and Bert
Toonsarah
What a photogenic spot – I love the weathered old wood in particular!
Oh, the Places We See
I did as well. But the again, I’m a lover of old barns, houses, and churches. Time takes its toll but also leaves some interesting marks.
Grammy Writes
I totally agree – you never know what you’ll find! (even if you’re not on a road trip)
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right. We’re still discovering interesting trees, houses, barns, and buildings in Knoxville!!
Amy
Thank you, Rusha for sharing the road trip finding and the historical information.
WanderingCanadians
This is why I love road trips so much because you have the freedom and flexibility to stop along the way at random things that peak your interest. It’s neat that you’re able find the history of some of these historic places.
Oh, the Places We See
I’m grateful for the internet because I can do research AFTER I’ve seen a place. We do some before, but it’s not enough. Blogging has made me more inquisitive!
Curt Mekemson
Fascinating history, Rusha. Quite the history with its mixed race congregation going back before the Civil War. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a pretty historic place, and I’m glad it’s structurally sound now. We first passed right by it, then decided to get out and take a look. So glad we did.
ralietravels
Indeed, it is always sweet to have an unexpected discovery.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look. It’s a neat place to preserve.
kzmcb
Very interesting.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a quiet little place, and one that we wanted to know more about. So interesting!
beth
Wow
maristravels
As you say, you never know what you will run into on a road trip. Serendipity is always hovering.
Oh, the Places We See
You’re right. And that’s one reason we only plan about half of what we think we can do. We’re always finding another tour, another museum, etc.