The history of St. Paul's, Piney Parish began in 1754 when the Maryland General Assembly empowered the Vestry of Port Tobacco Parish to purchase two acres of land at Ivy Springs on Dressing Branch "near the pines".  With a tax levy on tobacco on all residents of the existing parish, they built a small log chapel-of ease.  The wording of St. Paul's original location gives us the descriptive name "Piney" today.

After the first chapel burned down in 1823, the current brick Church was built.  It was consecrated by Bishop William M. Stone of the Maryland Diocese in 1833.  St. Paul's was one of three chapels of Port Tobacco Parish served by circuit riding rectors.

The first "free school" in Charles County, also believed to be the first in Maryland, was begun in 1833 when the Rev. Lemuel Wilmer, who served as rector for 40 years and lived across the road from St. Paul's, donated an acre for the school.  It was for the education of all local children regardless of sect, sex or circumstances.

During the first 60 years of this century the Sunday School and social activities were held in a wooden hall in "downtown" Waldorf.  The present two story Parish Hall was built in 1964 allowing worship, education and fellowship in one location.  St. Paul's was ready to grow as growth came to the area. On January 26, 1968, the chapel officially became St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Piney Parish.  A large addition to the Parish Hall was completed and dedicated in 1994.  It enables St. Paul's to continue expanding its active ministries within the Parish and the community.  St. Paul's traditionally is an inclusive family oriented Church.  We offer a variety of Eucharist-centered worship services.  We encourage all who enter to participate with us in the worship, educational and social programs.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Piney Parish
4535 Piney Church Road, P. O. Box 272
Waldorf, Maryland 20604-0272

301-645-5000
301-870-7590

PineyParish@aol.com