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4 - Union 2 4 - Union 1Wye Oak Driving around western Howard County this afternoon, I was looking for a place to do my walk.  I passed farms and developments with McMansions, when suddenly an historic building caught my eye near Glenwood.  It was an old church with a graveyard -- perfect!

The church, Union Chapel, was built in 1833.  Given to the community for use as a church and a non-sectarian graveyard by Charles Warfield, a prominent local citizen, the chapel was used for many years as a Methodist circuit church.  In the 1970's it was abandoned and began a rapid decline.  However, in 1976, the church was taken over by members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ellicott City, and restoration began on the church.  In 1980, services began once again at the church.

4 - Union 3 4 - Union 5 The building has two entrances on the front, which is commonly seen on churches from the 1800's.  One entrance for men, and one for women.  In the front of the church is a beautiful mature oak, and a sign in front says it is a Wye Oak, a "child" of the famous Maryland oak that was once the largest oak tree in the state.

The graveyard is located behind the church, and it too has large oaks -- the area was originally known as Oak Grove.  There was a mix of both modern and old graves.  Deer ran across the property while I was walking, and the light was moving into the "golden hour."

4 - Union 6 1 - Union 4 Union Chapel, now known as St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

All photos in "My Daily Photo Walk" are available for sale upon request.