June 2nd, 2011

Historic, St. Martin’s Church, Architectural Gem, Showell, Maryland, Open House, Saturday, June 4th, The Worcester County Garden Club, Worcester County, MD

Simple Colonial lines, a National Historic Landmark, the oldest of the 11 Worcester County Museums, standing since 1756.  And, now this unique church has been “restored for the new millenium.” 

If you live in the Eastern Shore, this museum is around the corner from you.  Granted, you might have to drive a little bit but I will tell that is so worth it.  The preservations continues; that never stops.  St. Martin’s Church will be holding another open house on Saturday, June 4th from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  This will be the beginning of open houses on Saturdays so everyone can get a chance to discover it and appreciate it.  Tours are available, as well. 

St. Martin’s Church is located at Rt. 113 & 589 Junction.  4 miles north of Berlin, Maryland.  Website:  www.historicstmartinschurch.org.  Tel. 410-430-2142.  E-mail historicstmartin@aol.com.   You can also visit Worcester County Museums at www.octhebeach.com/museum.

The Open House on Saturday is sponsored by the St. Martin’s Church Foundation with volunteers from Sinepuxtent Questers, Worcester County Garden Club and other community volunteers acting as docents.

I wrote a post with pictures on St. Martin’s on May 9th.  All you have to do is click on the month of May 2011 and scroll down to the 9th.

I visited St. Martin’s Church during the last open house celebrating International Museum Day.  It was so nice to see the people come in with a true interest for this church that sits by itself on this major corridor called Rt. 113.

Mrs. Sherrie Beckstead is at the helm of the St. Martin’s Church Foundation.  St. Martin’s graciously accepts donations; all tax deductible.  

A key pendant, a replica of the key to the doors of St. Martin’s, will be available in 18 karat gold or sterling silver as a keepsake.  I believe a charm is in the works, as well. 

A commemorative plate of St. Martin’s Church is also available. 

If you are interested, please call 410-430-2142.  Eventually, you will be able to purchase keepsakes through their website, as well.

On my last visit I noticed that the windows and the Church were dressed so appropriately, with beautiful greenery.

I found out that it has been the work of The Worcester County Garden Club.  This club is busy. 

The Worcester County Garden Club was formed in September, 1959.  It then became part of the Maryland Federated Garden Clubs, Inc.  It also became a member of the National Garden Clubs.

It is a non-profit organization that provides volunteers to work with the community in promoting conservation, environmental and beautification projects.

Current projects are:  Decorating at St. Martin’s Historic Church for special tours, seed planting and tree planting with area school children, maintaining a garden at the Genesar Historic Marker in Berlin, Maryland, maintaining a butterly garden at the Snow Hill Elementary School, planting with senior citizens at various nursing homes and assisted living facilities, placing flags and wreaths at the Hurlock Veteran’s Cemetery, assisting at the Ocean Pines Veterans War Memorial in Flag protocol for students and various ceremony activities.

In addition to the inside and outside gardening projects, they also do floral design workshops and are having a Standard Flower Show on September 16th and 17th, which is open to the public at the Ocean Pines Library.

On Monday, June 6th this Garden Club will be holding its annual scholarship fundraiser at 11 a.m. at the Calvin B. Taylor Museum in Berlin, Maryland.  Rain Date is Tuesday, 6/7.

This fundraising event is a sale and auction of plants and other garden related items.

Lunch will be served; reservations are needed.  Open to the public and it is free to attend.  Call Joan Vetare for reservations and more info. at 410-641-1305.

I told you they are one busy club.  New members are welcomed.  If you have an interest please call Mary Lou Scott at 410-208-6558, or e-mail her at mlgsguru@aol.com.

Have a great day!!  It is one gorgeous day at the Delmarva Peninsula!!