Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-09-02
Lower Potomac Correspondence.
PRospEcr HILL, CHARLES Co., M

SllAhlES w., MD.
Mr.. EdstOr :--Picawaxen Church. to which
we made slight alusion in our last letter, is
quite an interesting object of antiquity. 1t
is like most of the old churches on the banks
Of the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay,
constructed of imported brick, and was built
about the time of the Revolution. For
great many years within our recollection it
was in primative state, and to sit in il
during the service would lead the comtem-
plative mind to wander back through the
vista of departed years, and often whilst thus
absorbed our Imagination has peopled the
old worm-eaten pews with the occupants of
the old graves in the surrounding enclosure,
among whom were the remains of some of
the most distinguished blood of Maryland.
The half decayed condition of the church
was always source of distress TO the rector,
who, filled with an earnest and sincere reli-
gious enthusiasm, considered it Il reproach
upon his charge, that the church should re-
main in this condition, and finally after the
the most interchangeable labor and exertion in
his parish and elsewhere among the friends
of the old church, his hopes and prayers
were crowned with success, and now it pre-
sents a most attractive appearance Fin
ished inside after the gothic style, with deep
sloping roof and heavy uncovered rafters, it
is also highly adorned by the addition OF
several beautiful memorial windows, the rain
bow tints of which lend most grateful and
mellowing effect to the sunlight pervading
the auditorium. These windows are of diff
ferent designs and are erected to commemo-
rate the lives Of persons who had been men,
beers of the church. They are about eight
feet high and four and a-half feet wide, and
a nlnSc m 10 Oh na1 in
purple, yellow, wine color, &c, these tints
being artistically blended so as to produce a
beautiful effect The most conspicuous of
them is in the centre of the chancel pedi-
ment, its apex reaching well up towards the
roof. The design of this window is crown
above and cross below, and /: is inscribed
sacred to the memory of Capt Michael
Stone Robertson, G.. 5. A." This young
man was one OF the most universal lavorites
in the whole Of Southern Maryland, and
when the tidings came over the river that
his life had been laid upon the altar of the
| southern cause gloom spread far beyond
the hearthstone OF his widowed and child
less mother, for besides faultless face and
carriage he had one of those natures that
irresistibly drew every one to him, To the
right OF this and nearer the floor is the win
dow inscribed, ITO the memory of Mary Il.
Il. Bowie" She was u great favorite and
very lovely both in person and character,
her death occurred suddenly in the very
bloom OF youth. Among other designs upon
this window is a recumbent lamb, figure
OF most appropriate significance, and above
this white dove with outspread wings.
On the left in position corresponding to
the last described window is one inscribed,
10 the memory OF Capt. Dent Burris, G. s.
"A" The designs on this are star at the
top, in the centre a maltese cross and below
this pelican feeding brood of young. On
the right in the body of the church is one
inscribed 10 the memory of "Mrs. Alice Lee
Kent, relict Of his excellency, Joseph Kent"
and daughter of Rev. Benz Contee, ID. d."
The designs on this are, at the top fallen
chalice, centre maltese cross and below this
volume Of the scriptures open at Chron. vi,
| IL. These windows are Of rare beauty and
their effect is both impressive and striking.
In the enclosure is the grave of Charles
Hume, brother Of Thomas Hume, Esq, OF
Washington. He was shot down by a river
guard near "Cliiton," the estate of James d.
Storke, near the banks of the Potomac in
Charles county, whilst endeavoring to cross
the river during the war
A few days ago we had the pleasure of a
drive through the beautiful valley of Port
Tobacco creek 1t is certainly beautiful
and fertile country, and judging from the
appearance of the growing corn and tobacco
the soil must be alluvium. The valley is
two or three miles wide and the ridges form
most commanding sites for residences, most
conspicuous among which is the residence
Of Judge jenkins.
The town of Port Tobacco originally To-
Gated at navigable water is now at least two
miles from the highest point reached by
vessels, and the creek near the town be.
ing mere run.
This evening being the eve of our dc.
parture we shall commit our cursory obser.
vations 10 the good natured consideration OF
your readers and turn our attention to our
friends whose hosptable endeavors 10 delay
our leave-taking are almost irresistible.
August, 1881. RAMBLER.