AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
Born as a house of worship in 1861 when constructed at the intersection known as Severn Crossroads in Crownsville – a hotbed of Revolutionary and Civil War history – Baldwin Hall has had three different locations.
William Henry and Jane Maria Baldwin and their family donated money to build the Georgian Colonial-style structure that replaced a building that housed the Cross Roads Methodist Episcopal Church on the corner of Generals Highway and Indian Landing Road.
In 1896, Baldwin Hall was moved from its corner spot to the opposite side of Indian Landing Road to make way for a new church known as The Stone Chapel that was financed by the nine Baldwin children in memory of their parents. The granite church, styled after an English country chapel is known as Baldwin Memorial United Methodist Church.
Lovely Baldwin Hall subsequently became the church’s Sunday school and was renamed the Charles W. Baldwin Hall and Church School for a Baldwin son who was a long-serving minister. Having fallen into disrepair during the 1960’s and ’70’s, it was scheduled for demolition to make room for the Baldwin Memorial Education Building. However, the Hall was saved by a group of area residents who raised money to have it moved across Generals Highway in 1981 to its third and present location. The group of residents later formed the non-profit Severn Cross Roads Foundation, Inc. which manages and maintains the building.
With each move, Baldwin Hall was reborn with a new purpose. After its final move on June 2, 1981, the building was renamed Historic Baldwin Hall and became the center of many community happenings. It continues to be a focus of community life and Sunday’s Re-Birthday Celebration marked another step in Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s dedication to preserving and linking the hall’s historic past with its present.
Baldwin Hall looked inviting as close-knit community members arrived in the shady glen where the official Re-Birthday ceremony and unveiling of new signage would take place. Many of the people who came were long-time supporters of the hall and some had even been part of the crowd gathered in 1981 when the building was jacked up on flatbed trailers and moved across General’s Highway.
A few turned to watch as members of the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus, who’d be participating in the program, moved into place along the porch rail. (The Sweet Adeline’s affiliated chorus is based at Baldwin Hall and holds its weekly rehearsals there along with occasional concerts.)
Across the lawn, Severn Cross Roads Trustee Pamela Aulton, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, moved to the podium as members of Boy Scout Troop 804 and Girl Scout Troop 192 came together in the background to form a Color Guard.
Mistress of Ceremonies Pamela Aulton moved to the podium as the Scouts gathered behind her.
Aulton began the program with a greeting.
“Happy Re-Birthday Historic Baldwin Hall,” she shouted as the crowd applauded. “Thank you all for coming and joining us for the 43rd anniversary of the hall’s move to its current location and for the unveiling of brand-new signage highlighting the history of the Severn Cross Roads community.”
Aulton next paid tribute to Boy Scout Troop 804 which was celebrating its 20th year at Baldwin Hall and Girl Scout Troop 192 which began there five years ago. At her command, the Scouts marched forward at a good cadence and came to a stop before the crowd.
Proudly presenting the Colors, they stood at attention as the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus sang their moving rendition of Francis Scott Key’s “Star-Spangled Banner”and.
An especially meaningful moment occurred afterward when the Scouts led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before posting the Colors and retiring.
Following a brief encapsulation of Baldwin Hall’s history by the Mistress of Ceremonies, it was time for the highlight of the program – the unveiling of The Severn Cross Roads Foundation’s new sign. Thanks were extended to the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area and Maryland Heritage Areas Authority for their assistance and help with funding. Then, with an assist from the organization’s president Dr. Anne Agee (as seen in the opening photograph), the covering was lifted and there were oohs and aahs and applause as the sign was revealed.
A moment later, guest Carol Benson, executive director of the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area, stepped forward to make remarks and give a special citation to Dr. Agee for her leadership in historic preservation and her vision in creating the sign.
Anne Arundel County Council member for District 6, Lisa Rodvien, spoke next. She recalled that when she first ran for office District 6 did not include Baldwin Hall. But, after redistricting in 2021, she found the “special gem of Country Gothic architecture” was in her district.
“Since that time, I’ve attended wonderful events at the hall, met many community members there, and I’ve gotten to hang out here with both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. It’s great to be here to celebrate with you today,” Rodvien said.
The ceremony came to a close with the Chesapeake Harmony Chorus singing “God Bless America” followed by an invitation to attendees to join Severn Cross Roads Foundation member inside the hall for refreshments and to enjoy exhibits its history. Among other things, there were photographs of the day Baldwin Hall was moved across General’s Highway on flatbeds, coverage of the hall in The Capital’s Crownsville section from the late 1990’s as well as coverage by yours truly of Baldwin Hall’s 150th Anniversary in 2011. Lastly, there were photographs from an actual religious service held in the hall as part of that anniversary celebration.
Visitors were invited to tour the reconstructed 1840’s Cross Roads School House behind the hall as well. If you’d like to learn more about Historic Baldwin Hall or the school house, visit Home | baldwinhall.
Self Defense Workshop for College Students scheduled at Jing Ying Institute on July 28
In response to the popularity of their self-defense training, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is scheduling a Self-Defense Workshop for College Students for Sunday, July 28 from 2 pm-4pm. While this particular workshop is geared towards students currently in college or headed to college, it is open to other teens and adults. According to Jing Ying owner Nancy Greer, if that date doesn’t work, the school is happy to put together a workshop on another date for your group.
You may pay by 6/15 and save $20 (use code EB), Pay by 7/1, and save $10 (use code Jul1). Register at: https://www.jingying.org/…/personal_protection_college.htm .
Katherine’s Light Foundation Music Festival at Severna Park Taphouse this Saturday
The Katherine’s Light Foundation, LLC Music Festival & Charity Event is being held this Saturday, June 15, at the Severna Park Taphouse from 12 pm till 8 pm. The band headlining this year’s event, The Crayfish, will be joined by 11 additional local bands. The Katherine’s Light Foundation was started by Larry and Robin Sells to honor the memory and carry on the legacy of their daughter Katherine Mueller who fought neuroendocrine cancer for three years until passing away at the age of 31. The foundation is raising money through the music festival for, not one, but four charities. They include s Katherine Mueller Nursing Scholarship at Anne Arundel Community College, the Wellness House of Annapolis, the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation, and the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation. Tickets may be purchased by visiting Katherine’s Light Foundation (katherineslight.org).
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
