| Emmanuel Church was established in 1803 in Cumberland when several local Episcopalians began to meet at the Lutheran log church with the intent of forming a new congregation. In 1804, part of a tract of land at Flintstone was conveyed by Elijah Robosson to the trustees of Emmanuel Church and a chapel was built. Known as Providence Chapel, the building was used primarily from 1804 to 1805, although it remained in use for occasional services until it was torn down in 1877.
From 1805 to 1829, services were again occasionally held at the Lutheran church. In 1816, an attempt was made to maintain a joint church with local Presbyterians located at Fort Hill in Cumberland failed due to legal complications. The property was purchased by Colonel William Lamar and Captain David Lynn who offered the partially completed structure to any demonination who would finish construction and worship there. In 1829, the Episcopalians received a received a deed for property and building, consecrating the church in 1830 and completing a new rectory in 1837. In 1848 both buildings were sold and removed. A cornerstone for the present church was laid on Ascension Day 1849 and the new church was completed and consecrated in 1851. Among its furnishings is an altar given by Elizabeth Lowndes in memory of her father, former Governor Lloyd Lowndes, who served as senior warden for several years.
For information and sources relating to Emmanuel Church and Rose Hill cemetery, see: Maryland Historical Records Survey, Inventory of the Church Archives of Maryland. Protestant Episcopal: Diocese of Maryland (Baltimore: Maryland Historical Records Survey Project, November 1940), pp. 202-204. |
