Rockville in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Rockville Baptist Church and Cemetery
Location: West Jefferson Street and West Montgomery Avenue
— Explore Early Rockville Walking Tour —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 4, 2021
In 1823, the deacons of the Bethel Baptist Church acquired a half-acre lot at this site to erect a church and provide a burial ground. The original church was replaced in 1864, but a half century later, the congregation demolished it and built a larger church and parsonage at the corner of Washington and Jefferson streets. The cemetery remained and was enclosed with an iron fence. The church conveyed the cemetery in 1973 to the Montgomery County Historical Society, which transferred title to Peerless Rock added the benches an fence.
Gravestones in the cemetery date between 1839 and 1896. Late 19th century developed of the West End and the opening of South Van Buren Street necessitated relocation of 16 graves to the Rockville Cemetery. Twenty-eight marble and sandstone grave markers remain.
Several persons notable in Rockville history are buried here. Samuel Clark Veirs was postmaster of Rockville and Chief Judge of the Orphan's Court. He also operated Veirs Mill. Veir's son-in-law, William Veirs Bouic, Jr. was a judge, farmer, State's Attorney, president of Rockville's Board of Commissioners, organizer of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, trustee of the Rockville Academy and the director of the C&O Canal Company.
Erected by City of Rockville, Historic District Commission, Department of Community Planning and Development Services. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1823.
Location. 39° 5.002′ N, 77° 9.37′ W. Marker is in Rockville, Maryland, in Montgomery County. Marker is at the intersection of West Jefferson Street (Maryland Route 28) and South Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling west on West Jefferson Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 W Jefferson St, Rockville MD 20850, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Prettyman House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Prettyman House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Prettyman House (within shouting distance of this marker); Rockville Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bell Tower Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Stonestreet's Office (about 500 feet away); Stonestreet Medical Museum (about 500 feet away); Beall-Dawson House and Park (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockville.
Related marker.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 4, 2021
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 4, 2021
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.