Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church

History of Saint Andrew's

Somerset Parish is one of the thirty original parishes established in the Maryland colony by William and Mary in 1692. Today, St. Andrew’s is the parish church and center of ministry in historic Somerset Parish.

The original parish church edifice was built near the Almodington plantation close to the community of Champ.  Her foundation can be seen at low tide beneath the waters of the Manokin River The second Parish Church (consecrated as All Saints Church in the 19th Century) was built at the “Old Monie” site in the community now known as Venton.  That structure was destroyed by a storm and replaced in 1868 by the church which stands there today.

St. Andrew’s was originally a colonial  “chapel of ease” for All Saints’ but as the population shifted inland, so did the center of parish life.  Saint Andrew’s, built in 1770 and modified in succeeding years, stands as a constant reminder of the goodly heritage left by the Faithful. 

The Book of Common Prayer and a Bible, bequeathed by Queen Anne, are displayed in cases on two of the window sills.  The church also has communion silver from Queen Anne.  These gifts were presented around 1720, about six years after the death of Queen Anne.

In celebration of the 300th anniversary of Somerset Parish, a history of the parish was written and is available in book form from St. Andrew's. For more information on purchasing Of Ancient and Apostolic Lineage:  Somerset Parish 1692-1992, click here. 

Maryland Historical Society Marker

Service Bell Original to the 1859 Tower