A Full Copy Of Thursday Thoughts Can Be Found HERE
The 10:30 service can be viewed online at: https://boxcast.tv/view/sunday-march-27-2022-224151
March 24, 2022
Dear Congregation:
Evangelical Reformed Church of Frederick Maryland and Our Frederick Legacy
By Peter Brehm
I sometimes hear conversations that include references such as “Back in the 1950s . . .” or, “In 1970, when I learned how to drive . . .” and, “I remember when that song was popular in 1985 . . .” we all make these references. They help ground our experiences in the context of broader historic and cultural events of those times. These references are part of our story.
Here are some numbers that are part of ERUCC’s story: 259, 232, 215, and 129. These are years, and they represent markers in the history and significance of now-named Trinity Chapel (formerly called the German Reformed Church and then Old German Church before gaining its current name).
In 1763, the congregation, which was founded in 1745, built a stone church and tower at 10 West Church Street. In 1790, the congregation partnered with the City of Frederick to install Frederick’s town clock in the tower.
In 1807, the congregation replaced the stone spire with a wooden clock tower and spire. In 1893, the congregation installed a set of ten bells, known as the Trinity Chimes, in the steeple. This 1763 structure and its improvements over the centuries have been a unifying part of Frederick since the early days of the city, uniquely identifying Frederick’s skyline, bringing neighbors together not only for worship but also for education, mission efforts, civic events, and more, and helping everyone keep their appointments in a timely manner! Trinity Chapel is part of Frederick’s story, and part of ours as well.
This Sunday after the 10:30 am service we will launch our Campaign to Restore an Iconic Steeple. After a catered hot meal, Rob Porter and Pastor Emeritus Fred Wenner will share the history of the structure, after which we will discuss the needed restoration efforts. Please plan to attend this special event and learn about this important effort to restore an iconic steeple. And in the meantime, please reflect on John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem Barbara Fritchie and how he was describing the Trinity Chapel steeple when he wrote:
“Up from the meadows rich with corn,
Clear in the cool September morn,
The clustered spires of Frederick stand
Green-walled by the hills of Maryland.”
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel
Senior Pastor
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ
bkdaniel@erucc.org
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21702
301-662-2762
Artist’s Statement: New in Christ by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman
Inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Digital painting.
Courtesy of Sanctified Art.
