History Repaired, etc.

A few things since last we met, I spent Saturday morning at the Chapel (Historic St. Mary’s City - more later), and in the afternoon we drove up to Annapolis to make sure Nordstrom’s (where “customer service” still means something) remained in business. That wasn’t necessary because there were a lot of people with the same idea and they filled the parking lot and we had to park across the road. I was also informed that there is a Coldwater Creek in the “new” center there in Parole. MFO did her part there also. That place is crawling with security. Makes one wonder. Didn’t explore the eateries, I hear there is a PF Chang’s which some people like if you’re into chains. Aside from the usual road race to the south, the return trip was uneventful.

Yesterday was a big event at Historic St. Mary’s City. As I’m sure you all know, after William and Mary gained the throne, they made the Anglican Church the “official” Church of England. So, in 1704 laws were enacted making it illegal to worship as a Catholic in a church or chapel (in England and it's colonies), and the royal-appointed Governor of Lord Baltimore’s colony ordered the Chapel in St. Mary’s City to be locked. And, it was. That act was symbolic of the end of “Freedom of Conscience” in Maryland, and once again the government could dictate how you could worship.

So, after 300 odd years, with the (nearly) completion of the re-construction of the Chapel, it was decided that it was high time to “unlock” it. Sheriff Tim Cameron agreed to undo what his predecessor had done, and yesterday it was accomplished.

Quite a crowd assembled,



the (I think I got this right) Ancient Order of the Hibernians,



our “Militia”,




several from the Society of Jesus (aka the Jesuits – who caused the chapel to be built originally), other clerics and even the Archbishop.



Dr. Henry Miller brandished the Key



And Sheriff Cameron revived the Chapel and freedom of religion!



The doors were opened!!




Of course previous to all the action there were speeches which not everybody paid attention to



And so at the end of a (long) day, the Chapel was restored to it’s full prominence in St Mary’s city



It really is worth a visit to see the chapel (along with the rest of "the City" sometime. And after that you can

DFD