Beacon of Peace

The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest one-day battle in American history, yet one of the field's most noted landmarks is a house of worship associated with peace and love. This historic church was built by local German Baptist Brethren in 1852 on land donated by local farmer Samuel Mumma, and the name Dunker comes from their practice of full immersion baptism. During its early history, the congregation consisted of about a half-dozen farm families from the local area. Although heavily damaged during the battle by rifle and artillery fire, the church survived, only to be blown down by a windstorm in 1921. Rebuilt for the Civil War Centennial, it stands as a solemn reminder of the battle's impact on local families and as a symbol of mercy, peace, and understanding.

Keedysville, Maryland · United States