Historic Downtown Frederick, MD
25th Anniversary of the Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship
Celebrate
the 25th annual Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship this
holiday season in Downtown Frederick on Monday, December 26, 4-9pm. As the sun
begins to set, visitors are welcomed to tour many of Frederick’s famous
clustered spires and other historic houses of worship by candlelight. At nearly a dozen sites, guests are greeted
with special programs, angelic choirs, and nativity scenes on this special open
house that celebrates Frederick’s tradition of religious diversity, local
history, and the holiday season.
Church spires that highlight the Frederick skyline have become a symbol of Frederick’s distinguished heritage and beauty. Frederick’s iconic clustered spires are immortalized in John Greenleaf Whittier’s Civil War-era poem, “Barbara Frietchie”. “The clustered spires of Frederick stand, green walled by the hills of Maryland,” he wrote. Beyond mention in Whittier’s poem, Frederick’s clustered spires and churches stood as witness during the Civil War, shaping their history and identity.
“We’re in the midst of 150th anniversary commemorations of the Civil War,” says Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Director, Liz Shatto. “Many people are unaware that most of the historic houses of worship featured on this tour were critical during the battles of Antietam and Monocacy.” In the days after these battles, Frederick became a major hospital center. Most of the churches in town were used as hospitals, housing and providing compassionate care for the injured, sick and dying. Evangelical Lutheran Church even has photos showing the church as a Civil War hospital. For more information about Frederick’s churches during the Civil War and caring for the wounded, be sure to visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 E. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD during museum hours.
Celebrating its 25th year, the tour was a concept originally developed by Peter Plamondon Sr., founder of the Plamondon Companies. “So many people walk by these churches every day, yet very few have the opportunity to see the beautiful interiors,” he said. Over the years, the program grew and today visitors enjoy tours, interpretations, and seasonal music performed by vocalists, piano, organ or instrumentalists - with some sites offering complimentary beverages and light refreshments. Congregational members act as hosts to greet visitors and answer questions about the history of the churches. Outside, luminaries guide visitors from one site to the next.
During the tour, visitors experience three centuries of American architecture and history, providing the perfect setting for joyful celebrations and camaraderie. “It’s a great way to bring the community and families together during the holiday season,” says event coordinator Patsy Ensminger, Operations Director for the Tourism Council.
The Tourism Council of Frederick County coordinates this tour with sponsorship from the Plamondon Companies, Frederick County Bank, Everedy Square & Shab Row, and The Gazette this year. For more information, call the Frederick Visitor Center at 301-600-4047. After November 4, print brochures will be available at the Frederick Visitor Center, 151 S. East Street, Frederick, MD. Online brochures are available now.
Candlelight Tour of Historic
Houses of Worship Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Monday,
December 26, 2011, 4-9pm
Downtown
Frederick, Maryland
www.fredericktourism.org
301-600-4047
Performances,
Tours & Events During the
25th Anniversary of the Candlelight Tour of
Historic Houses of Worship
Monday, December 26, 4-9pm
All Saints’ Episcopal
Church
106 W. Church St.
Handbells, vocals and various instruments
Asbury United Methodist Church
101 West All Saints Street
Seasonal music (4-5pm)
Live Nativity (5, 6, & 7 pm)
Mass Choir (7-9pm)
Beth Sholom Synagogue
20 W. 2nd St.
Judaism 101 & Jews in Frederick, a short history of Jews in Frederick/Jewish symbols and customs discussed
Calvary United Methodist Church
131 W. 2nd St. (corner of N. Bentz & W. 2nd St.)
Tri-State Harp Ensemble (4-7pm)
Calvary’s Peal Bells (7-7:15pm)
Sounds of the Season (7:15-9pm)
Carillon Recitals
Joseph Dill Baker Carillon in Baker Park
John Widmann, City Carillonneur will be performing on the Joseph Dill Baker Carillon in Baker Park each hour for half an hour at 4, 5 and 6pm
Centennial Memorial United Methodist Church
8 W. 2nd St.
Eddy Wiles – Organist (4-6pm)
One God, One voice (6-7pm)
Yellow Springs Band (7-8pm)
Noteworthy-Instrumental group (8-9pm)
Evangelical Lutheran Church
31 E. Church St.
Dr. Elizabeth Krouse - Organ (4-5pm & 8-9pm)
Evangelical Bells playing seasonal music (5-6pm)
Massed choirs of Evangelical Lutheran church (6-7pm)
Frederick Flute Choir (7-8pm)
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ
15 W. Church St.
Christmas Putz (Nativity Scene) in the lower level of the church
Frederick Presbyterian Church
115 W. 2nd St.
Piano (4-4:40pm, 5:30-6pm & 7-7:30pm)
Classical guitar (4:40-5pm & 8-8:20pm)
Soprano soloist and piano (5-5:30pm & 6:30-7pm)
Brass quintet (6-6:30pm & 7:30-8pm)
Seasonal music (8:20-9pm)
Grace United Church of Christ
25 E. 2nd St.
Terry Sparks Music Studio (4-5pm)
One God, One Voice Choir (5-6pm)
Music presentation by the Noel Lester family (6-7pm)
Choir sing-a-long (7-8pm)
Seasonal music (8-9pm)
St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church
118 E. 2nd St.
Short tours every hour: 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm
St. Katherine Drexel Choral Ensemble (4:10-4:30 & 4:45–5pm)
Organ Solo (4:30-4:45pm & 6:40-7pm)
Tim Keuberth – vocal soloist (5:10-5:35pm)
Bill Powell – organ solo (5:35-6pm)
Children’s Choir, SJE (6:10-6:40pm)
“Sister Act” Celeste Pridemore and sister, Maria (7:10-7-35pm)
Nate Wunderlich - vocal and guitar (7:35-8pm)
Hispanic Music Ministry, SJE (8:10-8:45pm)
Rozanne Richards, Organist (8:45-9pm)
Trinity Chapel
15 W. Church St.
Bell-chime demonstrations throughout the evening
Visitation Academy
200 E. 2nd St.
Primary Chorus (5:30-5:45)
Upper School Chorus (6-7pm)
Ahdia Bavari, soloist (7-7:20pm)
A Capella Choir (8-9)
While correct at time
of publication, these events are subject to change. Please contact the Frederick Visitor Center
at 301-600-4047 for more event information or to confirm events.
Photos by C. Kurt Holter
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