trinity episcopal

This past Saturday, my brother and I traveled to Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Mary’s County, MD. The occasion was the funeral service for my cousin’s wife. Bernie Purdy is my 2nd cousin once removed on my father’s side. His wife, Patricia, passed away on February 13th after a long battle with COPD.

To tell you the truth, I don’t think I ever met Patricia. But I remember Bernie visiting our house when I was a kid. It had been years since I’d seen him, and during the service I met cousins I didn’t even know I had. There were some in attendance I had never met face to face but had become friends with on Facebook.

Trinity is an old historic church. It was originally founded in 1638 (more than 300 years before Virginia Hills was founded!) It is surrounded by tombstones, some of which were erected this year, and some of which are so old you cannot read the inscription. Several of these tombstones bear the name Purdy. They are about 100 yards west of the church pictured above.

Trinity is a tiny little church. It looked like it would seat about 75. But it is a beautiful place of worship that is still an active congregation. The pastor is Rev. Charity Humm, whom I was told is a “young, energetic woman who will keep this congregation on its toes.”

The service was marked by a traditional, liturgical funeral service, interspersed with digital music loved by the family. The pews look ancient, but the pulpit has a modern-day microphone. And the service was live streamed on Facebook!

They may be small, but they are making a difference in St. Mary’s County. I was inspired by this congregation that has been active for 387 years. What will Virginia Hills look like in 300 years?