History

St. Martin’s-in-the-Field is an Episcopal Church affiliated with the Episcopal Church of the United States of American and the Anglican Communion of church throughout the world. Situated in the heart of Anne Arundel County, between Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, DC, we are blessed by a 7 acre campus that was donated in 1954 by Mrs. C. T. Marston. The original church building, now called Heck Hall, was completed in 1955. St. Martin’s-in-the-Field was officially approved as an independent parish at the Diocesan Convention of 1956, with the Reverend Lewis Heck as its vicar.

Since its inception, Worship has been at the heart of our life together as a congregation. Good music (now from our brand new Schantz 26-rank pipe organ) enlivens two of our three services; five choirs create the songs of angels whenver asked; and even our Sunday School highlights children’s music in their classes. Sermons focus on scripture and theology as they intersect with our lives; and the children participate in the Children’s Word at 9am, opening the Word of God to them in story and activities as befit their age levels.

St. Martin’s has also valued education and Christian formation for all ages throughout the years. Currently, St. Martin’s Day School serves nursery through eighth grade, but it was begun as a nursery school in 1957, just a year after the church’s completion. The Day School’s vision is to create a passion for learning and discovery, and the church has likewise embraced that goal.

With the encouragement of our early rectors, Revs. Frederick VanderPoel and Ben Sommerville, our parishioners and clergy have been at the forefront of bringing Christian Education to the people of St. Martin’s. Early training through MATC led to developing Christian education and formation programs for all ages. Later, the Rev. John DeBeers, brought Education for Ministry (EFM) into our midst, continuing the focus on adult formation.

Currently, our Sunday School for ages three through fifth grade uses the Episcopal Children’s Curriculum and Godly Play to engage and delight our children. Journey to Adulthood has been restarted in the past year for youth in grades six through twelve. Christian Formation for children, youth, and adults continues to be a core value for our congregation.

Another vital aspect of St. Martin’s ministries in the world are our Outreach efforts. The Episcopal Church Women began their ministry to others early in our history and continues today to be a leader in ‘women helping women.’ Their support of the Women’s Center at our mission school in Gros Morne, Haiti and the Women Supporting Afghan Women who create preschools in Afghanistan, continues to focus their outreach. While ECW may have been the first of our efforts, our current Mission and Outreach Commission continues to focus on the needs of those who go without the basic necessities of life: food, water, homes, education, and medical access. You have but to see the impact St. Martin’s makes in the lives of many to realize we understand Jesus’ mandate to “care for the least of these my brothers and sisters.”