Christmas at Fairview Chapel
Only minutes from both Frederick and New Market, MD is a
place reminiscent of the past. It is Fairview Chapel. A place where
individuals can celebrate Christmas as it was during the Victorian
Era. The charm and simplicity of an earlier time period holds a
place in the hearts of those who gather here on Sunday evenings,
especially during the holiday season.
For those desiring to escape the “hustle and bustle” of the modern
world and spend some quality time with their families, if only for
a few hours, Fairview Chapel provides just such a destination.
Without the need to take a bus trip, or drive a great distance
one can celebrate a Christmas as it was around the turn of the
Twentieth Century .
Nestled in the rolling countryside of Frederick County, along the
west side of Boyers Mill Road, just south of Gas House Pike, the
small stone chapel offers individuals and families opportunities to
celebrate the holiday season in a simple style and setting similar to
the earliest days of this restored 1847 chapel. In recent years, the
holiday season would not be complete for many families without
attending the worship services held in this quaint little country
church.
In its rural setting, one can almost see horses and buggies still
traveling the country road and people dressed in clothing from
an earlier time period coming to worship the same God that we
worship today. People still gather at Fairview to worship the same
Christ child and to lift their voices in praise and thanksgiving to
the same Heavenly Father who has been worshipped in this same
place since it was built in the mid 1800’s.
The aged stones of the walls seem to whisper with the worship
services of both past and present days. With a little imagination
you can still hear people from years ago singing the same carols of
the season that worshippers gather to sing today.
The holiday spirit begins as you arrive in the parking lot and
are greeted by the soft glow of candles and the luminaries lining
the stone pathway leading to the aged wooden front doors. The
festiveness of the season is enhanced by the warm glow of the oil
lamps which light each window and the faces of the people who
greet you.
As you enter and close the doors, it is as if you have stepped back
in time. Within the chapel you will not find the conveniences and
distractions of the outside world. Instead, you will find a world
that exists only in the memories of an older generation and in
stories read to children at this time of the year. The smallness of the
room, the stone walls, glowing oil lamps and candles that provide
light, the simplicity of decoration, and even the chill that cannot be
completely dispelled by the old fashioned stove all serve to take you
back to a simpler and earlier time.
The sweet smell of the fresh greenery permeates the air. Wreaths
and greenery adorn the windows and a Christmas tree decorated
with handmade ornaments and lit by twinkling candles create a