In the 17th century, Maryland was founded as a refuge for Catholics and others facing religious persecution, and many early settlers in this region, then part of Maryland, were Presbyterians who had been denied freedom of worship. For many years local Presbyterians had to travel a great distance to the nearest church. In 1763, Reverend Charles Tennent, the charismatic son of William Tennent, founder of Princeton University, organized a congregation in this area. Services were held in members' homes until 1767, when the present Blackwater Presbyterian Church was built. Over time, difficult travel conditions for many members led to the formation of separate churches in the growing communities of Ocean View and Frankford. By the late 19th century, regular services at Blackwater had ended. Occasional meetings continued until 1921, when the church organization was formally abolished. Since 1949, the property has been managed by a Trust established by the Tunnell family, active supporters of the church since its founding. Blackwater Presbyterian Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.