“Ancestors at Antietam” – Dr. James Maddox, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and the Woodley Farm

The Antietam Institute will wrap up their “Ancestors at Antietam” programs on November 7, with a special tour of the historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the Woodley Farm. The program was arranged by Saida Russell and Rev. Dr. Brandt L. Montgomery.

Saida and her family own Woodley Farm which is on Sharpsburg Pike and just down a dirt lane from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lappans. Dr. Thomas J. Maddox, her great-great-great grandfather, was one of the founding fathers of the church. Woodley Farm has been in the family since before the Civil War and holds a protective agricultural easement with the state of Maryland.

Nestled in the scenic countryside at Lappans Crossroads, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church stands as a significant landmark, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The church has been in continual use since its construction in 1849, a testament to the vision of the leadership of Saint James School, who sought to provide worship services for the local faithful community. James Maddox, a respected physician and early church leader, played a pivotal role by donating an acre of land for the church’s construction.

The building was completed in just four months at a total cost of $1,385. Constructed from native limestone—a practical and locally favored material in Washington County—the church’s architecture embodies the influence of religious movements that advocated for a revival of the Gothic style within Anglican and Episcopal churches. This architectural choice reflected a broader movement to renew traditional religious practices.

The church features impressive 17-foot walls, a pitched gabled roof with a portico, and a steeple that commands attention. Inside, many of the original furnishings remain intact, including a gallery that was specifically intended for enslaved worshippers. This gallery is still accessible to visitors, offering a tangible connection to the church’s historical narrative. The interior is further distinguished by a soaring ceiling supported by Gothic-arched framing. The picturesque setting of St. Mark’s is enhanced by a stone wall that now encloses both the church and its cemetery. As a parish, St. Mark’s is committed to uplifting African American stories that are integral to its history. During the Civil War, the church served a crucial role, especially in the aftermath of the 1862 Battle of Antietam and the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, when it became a sanctuary for the wounded—many of whom received care from Dr. Maddox.

Read more about the guest speakers, Rev. Dr. Brandt L. Montgomery and Saida Alexander Russell on the Institute’s webpage. These monthly “Ancestors at Antietam” talks are free and open to the public – anyone may attend – and you do not need to register. This final program will be held at St. Mark’s at 18313 Lappans Road Boonsboro, Maryland 21713, beginning at 2 pm. Turn right at the Parish House and continue towards the back of the campus for a large parking lot.