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

St. John's Church

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 5, 2009

1. St. John's Church Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Construction was begun in August of 1872 with the cornerstone being laid on September 4, 1872. Opening services were held on October 11, 1875. Cruciform in shape and Gothic in style, the structure is made of native blue hammered limestone complimented by red sandstone trim. The stone spire added in 1881 is highly unusual in that it is made completely of stone, reportedly one of only five such spires in the country. The interior of the church is highlighted by an exquisite oak reredos, carved by skilled European craftsmen and shown at the 1893 Columbian Exposition. A bronze panel is prominently featured in the center of the reredos. The chancel is divided from the nave by a wrought iron rood screen. There are three aisles with a vaulted ceiling which exposes decorative rafters and braces. The pews are oiled walnut and chestnut, and the wainscoting is composed of beaded walnut and chestnut planks. Handsome, stained glass windows further enhance the space. This is the third site of the church.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1864.

Location. 39°

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38.55′ N, 77° 43.533′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of South Prospect Street and West Antietam Street, on the right when traveling south on South Prospect Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 109 South Prospect Street, Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 113 South Prospect Street (a few steps from this marker); 102 South Prospect Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 112 South Prospect Street (within shouting distance of this marker); The Italian Villa (within shouting distance of this marker); 125 South Prospect Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Hagerstonians in the Civil War (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shenandoah Valley Railroad (about 300 feet away); Mount Prospect (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.

St. John's Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 5, 2009

2. St. John's Church

Inscription above Church Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 5, 2009

3. Inscription above Church Entrance

Also notice the red sandstone trimming above the entrance.

National Register of Historic Places Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 5, 2009

4. National Register of Historic Places Plaque

Located at the church entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 867 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 16, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.