The New York herald., 1870-05-23
WASHINGTON CHURCHES.
ROCK CREEK tPIssOpiL CHURCH.
The Oldest Church Iva the United Sfates-Ser.
sN mon by Rev. Mr.. Buck.

The Oldest Church Iva the United Sfates-Ser.
sN mon by Rev. Mr.. Buck.
WASHINGTON, May o. 1870.
Three miles distan. from the city by the roadside,
stands the old Rock Greek Episcopal church. For
generations this edihce has been the seat Of worship
OF the people OF the surrounding country The
first structure, the walls of which are still in
fine state of preservation, was erected IN l7ie,
out Of imported brick. In ITS the church was en-
Iarged. After the Revolution the building was per-
mitted to go TO decay. The roof was badly rotted.
ard this relic OF the past was in danger OF being lost
number or liberal Christian gentlemen, unwilling
to permit this venerable temple of worship to pass
out OF existence, had 1t remodeed in 1863 1t Is now
quite an impos ng structure. Some extensions were
made, but the main walls, built nearly one hundred
ana 1,tY years ago, Constitute the greater portion
OF the building. The interior is very handsomely
finished. one hundred acres OF the ancient glebe
anis surround ana are the property OF the church.
These lands are occupied aS a cemetery, and for
other purposes The church Is situated III lovely
spot, surrounded by majestic oeks centuries Old.
chestnut cedar. hemlOck. and prOfusi0n OF flowers,
cultivated, enDelIsh the grounds Here and there
THE TENEMENrS OF THE DEAD
showed the traces OF friendly hands, while others,
forgotten anu, perhaps lost were oyorrun with the
Wild vine. number OF family vaults, some Oil q ID
otners ,dern have been erected, aud are used by
descendants or relatives o their original prOpretOs.
In the elriy days. after their ay Ing out OF the Dis
trIct lie churcn was frequently attended by me
di tilgusied people VINO resorted 60 the
natlonai capitatto serve their government Prasl.
dent Iyler 1t said, very often in the
gregatiOa, and resident Buchanan attended
regularly during his summer recreations at the
Soldiers, Home, near by. The Rock creek church Is
| now the oldest Church in existence IN the United
Sates since the destruction o! that at Annapolis.
Md, whlch in Gate preceded this some Yeas.
| Itwas a delightful summer day. Asa conse iuence
| tnere was q large turnout or the congregation. At
| eleven O'Clock Rev. Mr. Buck, She regu pastor,
! b gan the EpscOra service. The choir was exec :
lent composed OF the three Misses Wood and brother.
The rendition OF Lloyds re Deon was e9 ial 70 the
best pro cssiona cnorus In the city, The pastor took
| az his text the 23th verse Of the 10th chapter
OF the Gospel of st. JOnn:-"i came forth iOm
! the Father, and am come into the world; again.
leave the world and go TO the Father" The strmol
| was designed to bring olt the lessons 10 be drawn
! from the anslon OF ChrIst-that although Christ
| was born into the world and lived as other men,
| was sul the equal with God and part OF the cod
| head otherwise he would be The creature and not
I the Creator; that the ascension OF Christ l.
| as important day in the Church calendar as The
| day OF His birth aud resurrection. he, there ore
urged that the day be observed with all the soemnigl
! due 80 important an event as the return OF Chris
to His place by the Father after having performed
His mission upon earth that all men might ENJOY TIL
great fruits OF His DEATH resurrection and ascenS )n
In the congregation was Montgomery Blair, Jr.