PARISH PROFILE FEBRUARY 2020

OUR CHURCH COMMUNITY TODAY

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Brunswick, Maryland is searching for a new priest-in- charge who will embrace our strong and welcoming community and traditions while encouraging us to embrace new challenges and opportunities in a rapidly-changing world, as we grow together in faith. We hope that the information contained in these pages will help you understand who we are and who we hope to become with the help of our new priest. We have done our best to share our history, the facts and figures of our current church community, and our hopes and dreams for the future.

Much of the information contained in these pages is a product of an extensive self-study process undertaken by the Discernment Committee, which included a 30-question online survey, two parish- wide gatherings, and many meetings of thoughtful reflection by the Committee itself. While the survey did not capture information from every single member of the congregation, we can provide a snapshot of statistics from the 42 members (of 77 invitations) who did participate:

Participation in the survey was skewed slightly toward females (62%) and people age 45 or older (75%). Almost a quarter of the participants (22%) reported that they have dependents under the age of 18 living in their household, however. More than half (59%) live within 5 miles of Grace or less, with equal numbers (16%) reporting that they live under ½ mile from the church or more than 10 miles away. The majority of respondents have been active at Grace for three years or more (68%), although it should be noted that more than 10% said that they had been attending for less than one year. Unsurprisingly, a large majority (81%) of those who participated in the survey were members who attend Grace “almost every week” or “every week with rare exceptions.” As one participant very aptly summed it up, “Our parish is blessed to be multi-generational. We are also welcoming to everyone. We have active families with young children, as well as active retirees committed to

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community service and servant leadership. We also have newcomers to our parish who are searching for spiritual growth and have found a home in our parish.”

The 2018 Parochial Report for Grace Church and a “Sunday Visitation Preparation Form” prepared in 2019 both show a vibrant community that is actively doing outreach in the community, with 115 members and average attendance at our 10:00 AM Sunday service at 58 people. Bi-weekly Children’s Sunday School boasted 8 children, and it was estimated that there were 49 people who are active at Grace under the age of 50. Average attendance at Grace’s several weekly AA meetings was 53, and there were 31 current, active pledge units in 2019 (up to 34 for 2020!). Three marriages, one burial, and five baptisms were conducted at Grace in 2018.

MISSION/WELCOME STATEMENT

At GRACE CHURCH, we strive to live into our name. YOU ARE WELCOME HERE no matter who you are. We practice a spirit of welcoming all as Christ and believe God has called us together as a people to be the Gospel in the world regardless of our gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio- economic status, level of education, disability or any other outward appearances. For in Christ, "there is no Jew or Greek, no slave or free, no male and female" - all are one! GRACE CHURCH is a welcoming and affirming congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.

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THE PRIEST WE SEEK

race Church is a vital part of the Brunswick community and has been for nearly one hundred G years. We are a church that contains members from one year of age to one hundred years. As we go forward in these somewhat challenging times, there are several things that our church is looking for in its pastoral care. At the top of our list is that we are searching for a priest who understands and accepts this uniqueness and recognizes it as a positive attribute, one who is “able to build on the welcoming community that is Grace Church.” Most of our members have expressed that we need a priest who is inclusive, open, and accepting of all people, including our overall church community (which spans not just the Brunswick area but Virginia, West Virginia, and communities north and west of Brunswick). We are looking for a “loving, kind, and caring” individual who is compassionate and pastoral while being theologically sound with the ability to “preach a good homily.” Empathy and understanding are also important, as is being someone who is easy to approach and talk to while truly listening, but a “good sense of humor” is also a necessity for us and for our priest. We are committed to our individual church and the Church as a part of the larger Christian community, and we are searching for the priest who can meet our needs and satisfy their personal needs at the same time – one who is “committed to Grace” and “truly wants to be here.”

When asked to rank the activities that our next priest-in-charge might engage in, almost 60% of survey takers indicated that “high-quality preaching” was the most important activity to them, with pastoral care and personal counseling coming in second place (30%). When asked about the specifics of the sermon in the weekly service, over 80% indicated that they want it to challenge them to grow, 68% said that the homily should apply to personal issues faced in daily life, and 60% indicated that they want it to be intellectually stimulating. In addition, while 27% reported that they were “moderately comfortable” with a priest who is openly political, over 40% of the respondents said that they were “uncomfortable” or “very uncomfortable” with overtly political clerical leadership. In

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addition, members of Grace are clearly looking for someone who embraces traditional elements of worship through liturgy, weekly communion, Holy Days, music, and special services.

As a parish that has had to become mostly lay-led over two and a half years of transition, we need our next priest to respect and to continue to support this movement toward lay involvement. In fact, when asked to describe what they liked best about worshipping at Grace, respondents said that the involvement of congregants in worship and planning was one of the things that they liked best. In terms of leadership style itself, large numbers of congregants reported that they prefer a priest-in- charge who collaborates with (58%) or empowers (32%) staff and laity. As one survey taker put it, “…our next priest should be willing to coach and teach others…a single person cannot run a church.”

GRACE’S RECENT LEADERSHIP

Through 1963, the rector at Grace Church would serve St. Mark's, Petersville, and St. Luke's, Brownsville, as well as Grace. In 1965 and 1966, St. Paul's in Point of Rocks was renovated. Services were held there only two times a month and the Grace Church rector celebrated there until 1980 when they obtained their own priest. The Rev. Frank E. Fortkamp served as rector at Grace Church from September 2002 to October 2010, and his retirement initiated a time of transition for Grace. In these transitional years (2009-12), the parish atrophied to no more than 12-15 active members. Weekly services were conducted by supply priests, and the parish could not afford a full-time priest. The vestry issued a call to a newly ordained priest to be our half-time Priest-in-Charge, and the Rev. Anjel Scarborough accepted this call and partnered with Deacon Tom Claggett in leading our parish.

Under their joint effort, the parish experienced profound growth and Grace was able to call Rev. Scarborough to be our full-time rector. This growth was facilitated by adopting a theology of inclusion and reaching out to those who felt unwelcome and often wounded by experiences in some nearby parishes. Our parish also grew into a regional parish during this time, with many members coming from Frederick and Washington Counties in western Maryland, Loudon County in Virginia, and Jefferson County in West Virginia. As Grace’s Senior Warden recently wrote, “We have become a lay-led parish by necessity because it has been 2.5 years since we have had a full-time priest. Our full-time rector (Rev. Anjel Scarborough) left our parish and became the Priest-in-Charge at St. Peters in Ellicott City, and less than a year later, our new Priest-in-Charge (Rev. Spencer Hatcher) left our parish for a new career assignment in California. Our past deacon (Rev. Tom Claggett) had retired about five years earlier. We were not given viable candidates to interview for an interim priest, however, we were blessed to secure the ministry of a recently retired priest (Rev. Charles Holder) who agreed to become our long-term supply priest. While our spirit has been rejuvenated and our parish is experiencing renewed vitality during the ministry of Fr. Charles Holder, we yearn for and feel the need for more permanent ecclesiastical and administrative leadership.”

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PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND OUTREACH

list of the types of ministries offered at Grace includes, but is not limited to, addiction recovery A support (AA, NARCAN training), contributions to Episcopal Relief and Development, altar guild, Eucharist for the homebound (LEV), pastoral care, choir, Bible study, children's church, youth group, Warmth and Welcome, Trunk or Treat, the Food Bank, Veteran's Day parade, potlucks, bazaars, Brunswick House Christmas caroling, St. Luke's Artisan Guild, Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, and the Soup-er Bowl of Caring. In addition, Grace Episcopal Church is a founding member of the Brunswick Ecumenical Assistance Committee On Needs (BEACON). BEACON is a non-profit entity that works collaboratively with other Frederick County emergency service providers and includes a variety of services, including a food bank, emergency financial assistance to people in need, and the annual Community Christmas (Secret Santa) Program. The BEACON food bank distributes food five times a month and serves 120-150 people per month. The Emergency Relief Fund assists 30-50 families annually. BEACON provides Thanksgiving baskets to over ninety families each year. The annual school supply drive assisted about 200 students in 2019, and the recently concluded Community Christmas Program provided gifts to 190 needy children in 81 families.

The second area of outreach that is especially important for Grace is addiction recovery support. Our parish hosted Deacon Tom Claggett for many years, and he made a significant impact at Grace by founding an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group. Tom named his meeting “The Big Book” group after the book written by AA founder Bill Wilson in 1935. Even though Tom has been retired for some time now, he still facilitates the weekly Big Book meeting. His legacy has expanded significantly and now Grace hosts four AA meetings in our fellowship hall each week, Tuesdays through Fridays, with weekly attendance typically well over fifty participants. Inspired by Tom’s example of servant leadership and commitment to helping those struggling with addictive behavior, Grace has recently expanded our outreach mission by embracing those in our community who are struggling with drug addiction. For the past two years, Grace has hosted a community memorial service for families who

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have lost loved ones to addiction. Our parish also helped to establish the Brunswick Addiction Awareness Coalition, which promotes awareness of the services available to help those struggling with drug addiction. Our recent community activities include hosting a NARCAN training program and serving as a host site for a bi-monthly needle exchange program administered by the Frederick County Health Department.

All of these ministries serve to both strengthen the bonds within the Grace congregation and to spread the love of God through community outreach and support, and they are a central part of Grace Brunswick’s identity. We therefore asked survey-takers to indicate their level of satisfaction with this wide array of ministries and outreach activities (using a scale varying from “Very Satisfied” to “Not at all Satisfied”). Overall, between 44.44% and 79.41% of those who responded to this question responded that they were “Very Satisfied” with our current ministries and outreach activities, with only 2.86% to 8.57% of responders answering as not satisfied. The top five activities which saw the highest level of “Very Satisfied” responses are Trunk or Treat (79.41%), Pride (78.79%), Drug/Overdose Awareness (77.14%), AA (76.47%), and Hospitality/Coffee Hour (75.00%). The five ministries which saw the highest number of “Not Satisfied” responses are Health and Human Services Van (8.57%), Youth Group (6.25%), Pride (6.06% - it should be noted that Pride ranked high up on most survey takers' satisfaction, but there was also a small population who responded on the very opposite of the spectrum as well), Meals to those in need (5.88%), and St. Luke's Guild (3.13%). Overall, the results of this particular question indicated that the congregation generally feels very satisfied with the current ministries and outreach activities offered at Grace.

Survey-takers were also asked to let us know if there were any ministries they would like to see instituted at Grace that we currently do not offer. Contrary to the last question, with 37 out of 42 members responding, this question only saw 12 survey takers responding; this particular statistic, therefore, confirms that the majority of survey takers are satisfied with the current ministries and activities offered. Even out of the twelve open-ended responses provided, four of those responses say they do not believe any other ministries need to be added. The overall theme of the other eight responses indicates that further outreach to the community in the form of transportation, meal, and assistance to the homeless would be positive additions to our ministry and outreach programs.

Outside of outreach and service-based ministries, there were several questions on the survey that were dedicated to music at Grace. Out of the 42 surveys

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submitted, between 30 and 35 responders answered four questions specifically pertaining to music. Each question asks users to indicate their level of preference between how we currently do music (at score 0) versus an alternative (score 100). These choices include:

• “Familiar, traditional selections” v. “More modern selections”

• “More time dedicated to music” v. “Less time dedicated to music”

• “Sing all verses” v. “Abbreviated music selections”

• “Keep current organ/piano” v. “Use other instruments” Overall, responses fell between the 40 and 50% mark, indicating a relatively even split in overall preference in music style. It could be interpreted that most survey responders are either content with the current format of music or have no strong preference either way. As the average response does not surpass the 53% mark, it can be determined that the vast majority of survey takers do not have a strong desire to make tangible changes to the music ministry. The question indicating the highest tendency away from Grace’s current format was the “Sing all verses v. Abbreviated music selections” question at 53%, indicating a slight sway in preference toward shorter hymns. The question indicating the lowest tendency away from the current format was the “Familiar traditional selections v. More modern selections” question at 41%, indicating that most survey takers prefer traditional music selections (hymns or hymn-styled songs and organ/piano accompaniment) over contemporary selections.

It is worth noting, however, that one survey taker included very detailed comments regarding the music selections that seemed to contrast with the results reported above. What is interesting about comparing these individual comments with the data gathered from the music questions is noting the variety of opinions and preferences toward worship music in general. This variety is indicative of the different worshipping styles and church -going history of the congregation as a whole. While the love of music and the high value placed on music in worship is held common by the whole of the congregation, the variety in preference toward style, length, and arrangement of music speaks to the “melting pot” of congregants who worship together in our space.

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GROUNDS AND RECTORY

he interior of the current rectory, which is located adjacent to the church building, was T completely renovated in 1996. It was purchased in November 1927 for $5,000. Members of the youth group and their sponsors assisted in 'pre-renovation' work, which saved the parish almost $6,000 at the time. The two-story brick house is 2,086 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths, including a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, a separate study/office space, an exterior enclosed sunroom facing the church, and hardwood floors throughout. The 2018 assessed value for taxation was $200,600. The Zillow assessed current market value is $283,800. The house is being rented at $1500 per month. The current tenants do not plan to renew the lease, which expires in June of 2020.

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HOPES FOR THE FUTURE

t is quite obvious from the self-study process that parishioners are very adamant that Grace I continue to be an open, accepting and approachable community; indeed, 40% of survey responders said that they would like Grace to continue just as it is. Our congregation is very proud that we possess these qualities, and it is imperative that the next priest-in-charge possess these qualities as well. The words “open,” “acceptance,” “approachable,” “warm,” and “welcoming” are seen throughout the survey, and welcoming all is seen as crucial. As one parishioner put it, many “come to Grace for the priest and stay for the people.” Another summed it up by volunteering that their dream is for us to continue to be “An open community of faith that is welcoming and part of the broader community. A place where we feel welcomed but also challenged to live as Christ calls us to be.” It is also important that we continue our support for each other AND our outreach in the community as “Grace always does what it says it will do.” At a recent all-parish meeting, for example, one member of the congregation said, “As a church, we are an extended family. If someone is hurting or ill, meals are immediately set up for them. We don’t let people fall through the cracks.” Among those who completed the survey, almost 30% volunteered that they would like to see Grace bring even more energy to our efforts to love and support and seek out those in our larger community who are in need. In addition, the congregation expressed a desire for our next priest to help us move forward and help in growing the parish with even greater diversity; over 30% of survey takers indicated that they would like to see a bit more growth (but not too much!) in the size of the parish. As one survey taker described their ideal parish, “Exactly as it is now but with a priest that is willing to grow with us into the future.” Parishioners overwhelmingly hope for a priest-in-charge that will be collaborative with our vestry and members, while complementing our open and accepting congregation. The dream is to “not fix what isn’t broken” and to welcome new individuals and families to our community.

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FINANCIAL MATTERS

he table below provides a summary of the financial performance of Grace Church over the past T few years. Grace Church grew rapidly under the ministry of the Reverend Anjel Scarborough. After serving several years as priest-in-charge at half-time compensation, Rev. Scarborough was appointed rector of Grace Church and her salary was increased to full-time. Reverend Scarborough departed Grace in October 2017 and Reverend Spencer Hatcher was assigned priest-in-charge effective November 2017. As the table illustrates, the parish required assistance from the Diocese to fully cover the budget expenses during those years with a fully-compensated priest.

OPERATING INCOME 2016 2017 2018 2019 Member Pledge and Offerings $122,450 $110,527 $103,132 $89,211 Rectory Rental Income $13,636 $15,120 $16,560 $18,000 Diocesan Assistance $6,000 - $10,090 - Camp Claggett Mutual Ministry 1 - - $14,723 - Total Operating Income $142,086 $125,647 $144,505 $112,126

OPERATING EXPENSES $141,881 $140,333 2 $126,745 3 $86,654 4

ENDOWMENT (as of Dec 31st) 5 $275,267 $353,870 $232,741 $32,830 Notes:

1 The Reverend Spencer Hatcher was employed by the Diocesan’s Claggett Center as the director of Camp Claggett. The agreement between Grace and the Claggett Center was for 25% of Reverend Hatcher’s total annual compensation (of about $81,000) to be reimbursed by the Claggett Center. 2 A significant operating deficit was incurred in 2017 ($14,686). The deficit was covered by an operating reserve created by a prior year withdrawal from the Endowment. 3 The reduction in operating expenses was due to Reverend Hatcher’s departure in August. The operating surplus ($17,760) was partially set aside in a CD of $14,000 to be used for emergency expenses such as replacing the 15 year old boiler. 4 Reduction in expense was due to using a supply priest for the entire year. 5 A significant building renovation was executed in 2018-19. The building was renovated to be accessible to everyone (ADA compliant) and the aging roof was replaced. The total expenditure was $322,637. A $50,000 bequest was received in 2017 to support the accessibility renovations.

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The theme for the fall 2019 Stewardship Campaign was “Ask Not What Grace Can Do For You, Ask What You Can Do For Grace.” The campaign focused on what it takes to keep Grace running financially (treasure) and participation in some of our lesser-known ministries (talent and time). The campaign lasted 11 weeks with various speakers from those ministries, and although a stewardship campaign is serious, some laughs were had. We had the best participation in pledge in several years. In fact, nearly 100 percent of our active Grace households pledged not only their treasure but their time and talent! Thirty-four (34) pledge cards were returned, and we saw an increase in the number of pledges, average pledge, and overall pledge this year.

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THE WIDER COMMUNITY AND DIOCESE

he Episcopal Church in Maryland is as old as the first English settlements on the shores of the T Chesapeake Bay during the 1630s. The “Protestant Episcopal Church” created in 1780 by Maryland-based Anglicans, is now a vibrant community of congregations and individuals in covenant with God and one another. Our diocese: • Spans across 10 counties in western, central and southern Maryland • Includes more than 100 congregations and 23 schools • Supports more than 100 active ministries through the Bishop’s Appeal • Actively collaborates with ecumenical partners advocating for Gospel justice The fourteenth bishop, The Right Reverend Eugene Taylor Sutton, was elected in 2008, the first bishop to be chosen on the first ballot since Thomas Claggett in 1792. Bishop Sutton continues to be a leader in the local and national efforts to curb the scourge of gun violence in our country and our cities. Beginning January 1, 2020, the Right Reverend Robert Ihloff, thirteenth Bishop of Maryland, rejoined the staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland to serve as assisting bishop. He serves as second bishop in an appropriate ecclesiastical capacity, staff liaison to the Commission on Ministry, primary bishop for Western Maryland, and as staff liaison for the small church movement.

The twin communities of Brunswick and Knoxville were built by the B&O Railroad company in the 1890s when the railroad needed a refueling station about fifty miles west of Baltimore and Washington. Brunswick and Knoxville are now experiencing a major transition. A new master- planned community, Brunswick Crossing, is being built along the dividing lines of the two communities. When completed in about ten years, Brunswick Crossing will double the community population from around 6,000 to 12,000. Almost half of the planned housing units have been settled. Population growth in the newer housing developments is as high as 142%. The MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter) Train Service has a station in Brunswick, allowing residents to commute to Washington, DC for work.

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Although Brunswick Crossing is a new and thriving part of the community, the older original city of Brunswick is suffering from over fifty years of decline, beginning when the B&O Railroad began to close the Brunswick refueling and maintenance yard. The railroad began to terminate work functions at the Brunswick yard around 1960, and by the end of the decade, virtually all railroad jobs had left the city. The city then began a long decline; its population atrophied, mobile families relocated, businesses closed, and many families who stayed behind began a spiral of generational poverty that continues today. The Frederick County United Way published a study of financial hardship, Asset Limited Income Constrained and Employed (ALICE), in 2018. The study concluded that affordable housing is a major problem in Frederick County, and the problem is particularly acute in Brunswick. Fifteen percent of the population of Brunswick has an income below the national poverty level, and 52% of the residents have a household income below the United Way threshold for financial distress. There is a stable population within the original city limits, however, and Brunswick has a below- average crime index.

Many of the majestic houses built 75-100 years ago that are within walking distance to our church have been converted into apartment buildings, many with four or more apartments. Some of these apartments have become Section 8 government-subsidized housing units. In the past decade, our community has become the home for many people recovering from addiction and mental illnesses. Within walking distance of our church, there are two houses with residents in the federally-funded Way Station program for addiction recovery and mental illness; two residential houses for veterans suffering from PTSD (the Building Veterans program); as well as a subsidized housing facility (Brunswick House) serving our elderly population living on only social security or disability income.

There are two Episcopal churches within a 15-minute drive of Grace—St. Luke’s, Brownsville, and St. Paul’s, Point of Rocks. Brunswick is surrounded by high/moderate missional opportunities. The area has a predominantly white majority, with more diversity noticeable in the newer housing outside of the original city limits. Within the old Brunswick, the occupational class is predominantly classified as “service” and most are high school graduates, while in the newer housing areas it is classified as “creative” and most either have some college or a college degree.

The Town of Lovettsville, Virginia, is across the Potomac River from Brunswick and is within a 15- minute drive of Grace. It is located within western Loudoun County, the wealthiest county in the United States. It has a population of about 2,100 residing within the incorporated town limits and

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over 8,000 within the 20180 zip code. Lovettsville is predominantly white. The population has grown 140% since the year 2000 with newer housing being built and town limits being expanded.

Downtown Frederick, Maryland, nicknamed “Little Georgetown,” is less than a 30-minute drive from Grace Brunswick. Frederick is where museums meet martini bars, scenic landscapes provide thrill seekers with adventure, and cutting-edge cuisine is served up in Civil War-era buildings alongside unique specialty shops, galleries, and theaters. Both Frederick and nearby Hagerstown, Maryland offer outstanding minor league baseball. Hagerstown is located 45-minutes to the north in Washington County, MD, and boasts of quaint and historic towns as well as the Antietam National Battlefield historical site. Hagerstown is the official home of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. The Hagerstown Cultural Trail connects two of Hagerstown’s most popular destinations – the downtown Arts & Entertainment District with the Museum of Fine Arts in City Park. Brunswick is also close to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, South Mountain State Park, the Appalachian Trail, and the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Western Loudoun County, Virginia, is also close by and is home to numerous wineries and microbreweries, which attract many visitors.

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HISTORY OF GRACE CHURCH

n 1922, the current edifice – a stone Gothic structure – replaced Grace Chapel, which was I constructed in 1892 and consecrated in 1893. The church is located at the corner of Second Avenue and "A" Streets in Brunswick, Maryland and is visible from the Virginia shore of the Potomac River and any passing trains, as well as from many points in the city. The cornerstone was laid at 3:00 PM on May 31st that same year; it can be found on the northwest corner of the structure and reads: "Grace Church Rebuilt 1922".

While the church was being built, parishioners worshiped at the old Masonic Hall on the second floor of the Bank of Brunswick, at the corner of Maple and Potomac Streets, known as "Square Corner". The new church was dedicated and opened on Thursday, May 31, 1923, and was consecrated May 21, 1928, after the building debt had been retired. The Rt. Rev. John Gardner Murray, Bishop of Maryland and Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, was assisted by the Rt. Rev. Edward T. Helfenstein, Bishop Co-adjutor, who preached the sermon. The Reverend Edward E. Burgess, Rector, conducted the services. During the service, the "instrument of donation" was read by William L. Gross, one of the pioneers of the church who represented the laity. Special music "of a high order" was presented under the direction of Mr. Charles T. Meyer, accompanied by Mrs. Thelma Nixon, organist.

The architect of this 14th-15th century, English Gothic, country-style church was Frank R. Watson of Philadelphia. Mr. Watson was so interested in maintaining the integrity of the Gothic design, that he almost lost his stonemasons, the Bakers of Virginia. On an inspection tour, he found that the artisans had constructed the large arch dividing the nave at the front from the chancel (or choir) with a beautiful keystone. Watson stated that there should be no keystone in a Gothic arch. The masons refused to make any changes and threatened to quit. Watson then changed into his work clothes, mounted the scaffolding, removed the keystone, and replaced it with the present two stones.

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The church building is comprised of a nave, aisles, chancel, sacristy, and organ chamber on the main floor, with a narthex at the church entrance. It is built of native stone that was rolled down the hill of Hampton Wenner's farm in Virginia. Many of the stones came from old fences on the farm property. The stone trimmings were pre-cast, the roof timbers are exposed and cut from southern pine, and the roof is made of slate. Charles Karn of Brunswick was the builder.

The wooden chapel altar was used in the new stone church until it was replaced by the present high altar made of Indiana limestone. This altar is a memorial to Garland Alder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Alder, who died in military service in WWI. A reredos was installed behind the altar as a memorial to the Rev. Mr. Burgess in 1944 when Father Withey was the rector. The old wooden altar was eventually moved and now serves as the congregation-facing nave altar. The original choir room, located directly under the sacristy, was later turned into a lovely chapel designed by Carmen Karn. This chapel was completely renovated in 1987, blessed by Bishop Theodore A. Eastman in memory of Eugenia Deener, and was still being used for special weekday services until well into the 2000s. This room now serves as the office of the priest.

The Caen stone font came from the original Grace Chapel. The inside woodwork is yellow pine stained to blend with the dark oak finish of the appointments and furnishings. The sanctuary rail is enriched with delicate tracery and carvings, and was a memorial gift from Mrs. C. A. Carlisle. The Möller pipe organ is a two-manual style, with solid-state technology, and pipes located both in the chancel and the rear gallery of the nave. The console is located in the chancel next to the choir. The choir stalls, pulpit, choir rail, and pews are of a simple and dignified design, made by contractor Charles B. Karn. The bell was taken from the old chapel and is housed in a stone bell-cote surmounted by a stone cross. There are three crosses on the roof: the bell cross is located about 2/3 of the way back, another cross is over the front entry door, and a third cross is to the rear of the church. Stained glass windows began to replace clear glass ones when Fr. Fenhagen was rector. This continued under Fr. Salmon's and through Fr. Staup's service. These windows were given as memorials in memory of loved ones, and a record of these and other gifts has been maintained over the years.

The main body of the church and aisle is 39 feet wide with its overall projection being 57 feet, including transept - the total length is 102 feet. The seating capacity is 320 people. Four large, round pillars support the nave roof and arches that separate the nave from the side section that houses narrow pews. (It was said the stonemasons insisted that these arches would never hold up.) Originally the

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undercroft had a vestibule, a main room for Sunday school and social functions, a primary room, choir room, and a kitchen. The large assembly room, beneath the nave, was initially supported by square plaster pillars which have subsequently been incorporated into walls to make several classrooms and two restrooms. The stairway by the 2nd avenue entrance leads up to the main floor and also down to the sub-basement. This area houses the furnace and organ blower and is used as a storage area. A window replaced the coal chute when the furnace was converted during the Reverend Reed's tenure. In 2002, renovation in the undercroft was begun to accommodate a central air conditioning system. A bequest from Katherine Manor, in addition to many gifts of the congregation, supported this project.

Grace's "Mighty Möller" pipe organ, as mentioned above, was originally installed as part of Grace Chapel's 1922 rebuild. The M.P. Möller Opus 3592 organ served the congregation unaltered for 90 years, until April 2013, when Grace stepped out in faith to rebuild and expand the organ to meet the worship and music needs of our growing congregation. The Steiner-Murphy Organ Company of Cumberland, Maryland began the restoration on April 8, 2013, with complete removal of the pipes and console. The organ was taken to Cumberland for extensive cleaning and restoration work. The restoration included rebuilding and re-leathering the existing windchests and pipes, installation of a reconditioned console, solid- state technology, midi technology, and integration of a 9-rank 1909 Estey Organ donated to us from Mr. Dean Jestes, as well as digital pedal ranks. Re-installation began in September 2013 with the installation of a new 3-rank nave organ, located in the rear gallery. In late 2013, the chancel pipe chamber was stripped down to the bare stone, framed, insulated and rebuilt with acoustic concrete panel walls and water channels in the ceiling to prevent damage. Re-installation of the main chancel organ began in January 2014 and was completed and dedicated at a service of choral evensong on March 2, 2014.

More recently, under the leadership of the Rev. Anjel Scarborough, plans were made for the renovation of the church to bring it up to ADA requirements and to ensure accessibility for everyone. Using some of a large endowment for Grace Church that was secured during Rev. Fortkamp’s tenure, the renovations were initiated during Rev. Hatcher’s service and completed in the summer of 2019 under the direction of the Vestry and Senior Warden, Charlie Harris. These renovations included the installation of a handicap lift to transport people between the Narthex of the church and the lower level, handicapped-accessible restrooms, and ramps to replace stairs at both entrances.

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GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

114 EAST A STREET PHONE (301) 834-8540 BRUNSWICK, MD 21716 GRACEBRUNSWICK.ORG

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