D e l m a r v a l o u s ! Dorchester County

Project to highlight African-American church history

ABES News Services

ABES News Services The Pine Street Committee (PSC) hopes to develop a historical display of buildings 50 years or older in Dorchester County where African-American churches are meeting. Seen from the left discussing the display are PSC project coordinator Octavene Saunders, historian Armond Hayward II, photographer David Harp and administrative assistant Portia Johnson-Ennels.

CAMBRIDGE -- A search is in progress to locate African-American congregations meeting in buildings 50 years or older in Dorchester County for the creation of a display for historical, tourism, and community purposes.

The idea for the display is a community project of the Pine Street Committee (PSC) in partnership with a $950 matching grant from the Maryland Heritage Authority, the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area. Also involved are concerned community members historian Armond Hayward II and photographer David Harp.

"We really want to show how important the Black church was within the community for education, culture, family and so forth. It was the only place where Black folks could get together and be left alone," said Armond Hayward II.

"In the beginning, the churches were integrated, but after the War of 1812 we started segregating again."

"The architectural appointments and what these buildings look like in the context of their environment is really what I am out to get," said David Harp. He said fall would be a good time to begin photographing.

In regard to the services of both men, project coordinator Octavene Saunders said they were not charging for their services but only for needed materials, "and we thank them for that." She continued by saying "This is not being done to separate anybody. This is being done because it is a project that is needed. It's time that we can capitalize and also demonstrate that Dorchester County has a rich heritage in more than one area."

She added, "I haven't talked to any minister that hasn't thought this was a good idea." It is planned to house the display at the Visitor Center at the county tourism office. The display could be on loan to libraries and other organizations.

The PSC encourages churches that meet the criteria who have not been contacted to send information to the Pine Street Committee, P.O. Box 494, Cambridge, MD, 21613 or via e-mail to portiae2@yahoo.com. For more information call (410) 228-2250.

A free continental breakfast will be held for any Dorchester ministers interested in the project 10 a.m. November 10 at the Empowerment Center located at 615-B Pine Street in Cambridge.