The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1895-03-29
st. Paul's Of the Present Day.

By mere chance my eye fell upon the
''old letter" written 80 years ago, and which
some one" who is evidently interested in
| old St Paul'S of the present day wishes
to hear of the changes which it has under
| gone.
Many Improvements have been made
since then,
There is large recess chancel, extend
ing even with the roof of the building, and
oval shaped, beautifully finished in fine
calcine work, at the back and. in the cen
tire of this, is inserted a very beautiful
stained glass window representing Rah-
boni. Just below, is a high altar artistically
| engraved. with Alpha and Omega on the
panels, and made of solid walnut. A brass
cross adorns the top of it. The surround
inc floor is covered with a soft crimson
carpet, lovely tapestry mats, made OF
zephyr woods, the work Of the Ladies
Guild. are thrown before the altar and
communion rail The front of the chancel
is much larger with the reading desk
placed near the front, to the right Is a
large pipe organ which cost S6oO. The
chancel is wide enough to seat the choir,
and for that purpose handsome cholr-stalls
stand on either side. At the back and to
the right and left of the chancel, are two
pretty little vestry- The same font
which was presented by Queen Anne OF
England, and which was broken by the
British in 1914. and afterwards sent across
the ocean to be repaired-so highly did
the parishioners appreciate it-still serves
as baptismal font. and stands in front of
the the chancel; and may often be seen on
IA Sabbath, filled with choice and fragrant
flowers. The ceiling extends to the roof,
is sealed with polished boards and presents
rich appearance, the exterior, or roof,
has recently been covered with new shin
giles The gallery still exists, and is oc-
casionally occupied by persons of color"
but more frequently by the vast numbers
which assemble there at stated periods, as
visitation of our popular Bishop, for in
stance!
uSIS IL u SeetiiiSN Sitt''s "ihNto" w WIN
west which throws the bright rays of the
evening SUM- over that portion of the
sanctuary The beautiful stained glass
window to the east is memorial window,
dedicated to Bishop Claggett. the first
Bishop of Maryland. There are nine 9th
her windows of plain glass, which have
been lately tinted white, and shed their
mellow radiance through the entire edifice,
oring. the floor is made of the best North
Carolina pine. The pews are nearly the
same.
In front of the Church, and over the
sun dial is a circular window harmonizing
in colors with the chancel-window, dona
ted by member of the Vcstry.
The structure in shape represents cross,
and the bricks in the original, came from
England, and tradition says, it was built
more than two hundred years ago.
The top of chancel is surmounted by
finely toned bell which cost $3.50, and sum-
mons its worshipers to church every Sun
day, and at all other times when there is
service There is paneled fence around
the enclosure, which encloses perhaps, over
an acre of ground, this has been improved
some, by gravel walks and rare evergreens,
but, alas! many who formerly worshiped
there are sleeping beneath the silent turf!
Majestic oaks, as sentinels, guard the
gates at the entrance. as no doubt they did
century ago to view the ladies, who are
still stepping from their more modern
equipages, and tho the coachmen are but
rarely seen, the ladies and gentlemen have
learned to guide their own fiery steeds and
rein up as of vore before the gates of old
st Paul's."
ONE OF THE GUILD.