St. Joseph, Cordova

I made a quick run over to the Shore the other weekend to check out St. Joseph's Church in Cordova, just off the Route 50 and 404 intersection. 

When I started this project, I made an assumption that most of the churches I visited would be Catholic because of Maryland's early tradition of religious freedom. But that has not been the case at all. More than 90% of the churches have been Episcopal churches, and generally, they are better-looking than the Catholic ones!

From the HABS report:

According to the corner stone, the original church was constructed in 1782 and rebuilt in 1903. The original church can be traced from the color and bond of the brick. Portions extend into what appears to be a two story, three bay brick house of early 19th century date. The other end stops at the transept which was added in 1903. 

Its original appearance would be conjectural, although, the central windows of the present nave apparently were earlier doors. In its present form, the church is an extension of a two story brick parsonage. 

The church is three bays long plus three semicircular additions creating a transept and upper arm of a cross. It is only one story in height and has a steeply pitched 'A' roof, conical on the three semicircular sections. Each of the latter sections has a single window with leaded stained glass sash. There is a chimney on the north side, otherwise the only other chimneys are in the parsonage. Three windows light the sides of the nave. The latter have semicircular arches. 

Portions of the older part are laid in Flemish bond above a chamfered water table, otherwise it is common bond. The main entrance to the church is located on the southeast side of the building. The parsonage is a three bay long two story brick building with central doors. Sash is 6/6 and there is a basement under the south end. A chimney is located in each gable. 

I was disappointed that I couldn't see the interior of this church, so I snagged one from the Google.

Link to Medusa.