Join locals Martha Preston and Julie Reinhart who will be on hand to help you explore one of the most compelling architectural gems in Anne Arundel County. Across the street from Baldwin Hall at the “Severn Crossroads” in Millersville, they will answer questions, and share stories about local history. You will also discover one of the best examples of a Gothic Revival building- a church that is 120 years old! Learn about the history of families who lived in Millersville and worshipped at Baldwin Memorial.
Built in 1896, the current stone chapel, featuring two Tiffany stained glass windows, replaced the Civil War era wooden “country church”. The country church was relocated, first across Indian Landing Road, and then across Generals Highway, where it is now preserved as Historic Baldwin Hall, dedicated in the nam
e of the Reverend Charles W. Baldwin, who loyally served the Methodist movement until his death at age 98. The stone chapel also sits on the original site of the first small wooden chapel, which served jointly the Methodists and the St. Stephen’s Episcopal congregation, on land donated in 1817. Prior to 1817, the Methodists met just down the road at the Brooksby’s Point home of John Sewell, where circuit-rider and Bishop, Francis Asbury preached in 1777.
The buildings architecture is exquisite, with distinguished ashlar stone work, a battlemented tower, a Celtic cross, the building is surrounded by a low stone wall and is a defining landmark of the old Severn Cross Roads. The cemetery is also not to be missed, as a testament to those who lived in Millersville for centuries and made Anne Arundel County what it is today
