Old Trinity Episcopal Church

Built by English settlers sometime between 1675 and 1690 on land patented in 1671 to Henry Aldridge, a former indentured servant, Old Trinity Church is widely recognized as the oldest church building in the United States still used for regular worship. This meticulously restored colonial church is the central focus of an 85 acre Glebe (church lands) on Church Creek, a tributary of the Little Choptank River.

The Graveyard at Old Trinity is a historic site, dating back to colonial times, and includes the graves of veterans of every American war. The “Old Graveyard” features six veterans of the American Revolution, four from the War of 1812, and several veterans from both sides of the Civil War. On the dock side is the grave of Anna Ella Carroll (1815-1894), “shadow member” of Lincoln’s cabinet and other members of her family, including her Father, Maryland Governor Thomas King Carroll.

The churchyard features an inviting network of public walkways, including the “River Walk and Contemplation Garden.” The shoreline has been restored to its 17th century appearance in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Old Trinity Church is located just off of MD Route 16, about 8.5 miles west of Cambridge, Maryland from US Route 50. The street address is 1716 Taylors Island Road, Church Creek, MD, a mile past the Church Creek Post Office. Make sure to turn right onto “Old Trinity Church Road” to get to the parking lot.

Old Trinity remains an active Episcopal Church, probably the oldest in continuous use in its original form. Services are held at 11 am on Sundays. The church grounds are open to the public 7 days a week from dawn to dusk. Tours of the church are by appointment only, and subject to availability. These can easily be arranged by phone (410-228-2940) or by emailing the Rector (rector@oldtrinity.net).

Learn more about the history of Old Trinity Church on the church’s website.