Beacon of Peace Marker

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Near Sharpsburg in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Beacon of Peace

By Craig Swain, July 5, 2009

1. Beacon of Peace Marker

Inscription. "May it stand as it did in war - as a beacon to guide men searching their way through the darkness. May it stand throughout all ages as a symbol of mercy, peace, and understanding."
Maryland Governor Millard Tawes
Church Rededication Service, September 2, 1962

The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest one-day battle in American History. Yet ironically one of the most noted landmarks on this field of combat is a house of worship associated with peace and love. This historic church was built by local German Baptist Brethren in 1852 on land donated by local farmer Samuel Mumma. The name "Dunker" comes from their practice of full immersion baptism. During its early history the congregation consisted of about a half-dozen farm families from the local area. Although heavily damaged during the battle by rifle and artillery fire, the church survived, only to be blown down by a windstorm in 1921. Rebuilt for the Civil War Centennial, it stands today as not only a step back in time, but also as a solemn reminder of the impact the battle had on the local families.

Erected 2009 by Antietam National Battlefield - National Park Service - U.S. Department of the Interior.

Location. 39° 28.53′ N, 77° 44.803′

Waysides in Front of the Dunker Church Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain

2. Waysides in Front of the Dunker Church

W. Marker is near Sharpsburg, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on Dunker Church Road / Old Hagerstown Pike near Smoketown Road, on the right when traveling south. Click for map. Located at stop one of the driving tour of Antietam Battlefield. Marker is in this post office area: Sharpsburg MD 21782, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Destroy the Rebel Army (here, next to this marker); Jackson's Command (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Jackson's Command (within shouting distance of this marker); Twelfth Army Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Army Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Twelfth Army Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); 5th, 7th and 66th Ohio Infantry Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Greene's Division, Twelfth Army Corps (within shouting distance of this marker). Click for a list of all markers in Sharpsburg.

More about this marker. On the right side of the marker are photos of The Church Through the Years.

After the battle the church was repaired, but in 1921 a severe windstorm collapsed the church.

During the 1930s and 1940s a private structure on the foundation as a lunch stand.

The church was reconstructed in 1962 using many original materials.

The inside of the church today. During services, the congregation was divided with men seated on one side and women on the other. The Dunkers believed in modesty and simplicity, concepts clearly evident in this structure.

The Dunker Church Reconstructed as it Looks Today Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain

3. The Dunker Church Reconstructed as it Looks Today

Photo was taken on the 145th anniversary of the battle.

Also see . . .
1. Dunker Church. National Park Service page detailing the history of the church. (Submitted on July 6, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Old Marker at this Location. This marker replaced an older one at this location titled "Symbol of Peace and Brotherhood." (Submitted on September 21, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)