As the oldest Catholic parish in Baltimore County, St. John the Evangelist Church has been serving the people
of Long Green Valley and the surrounding areas for over 190 years. Our first church was built in 1822, during
the term in office of James Monroe, our fifth president. This was eight years before the first railroad track was laid in America - an America that consisted of only 24 states - and 39 years before the start of the Civil War.
For nearly two centuries, our parish has been reaching out to serve the local community. This past year alone,
we provided over 1,500 meals to the homeless and needy in Baltimore; we prepare and deliver over 50 brown-bag lunches each month to the homeless of Harford County; we collected and distributed living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture, as well as medical equipment to those who needed them; we held seasonal collections of school supplies, hats & gloves, and Christmas presents; and we have financially supported a sister parish in Haiti, including two schools and a micro-loan program. In 2008, St. John parish was honored with a Volunteer Service Award from Baltimore County in recognition of our programs that “help neighbors and strengthen communities.”
In addition to our social outreach programs, St. John Church has always been delighted to involve the community in entertaining and relaxing events held on our breathtaking Long Green Valley campus. From the 1800’s, there are accounts of the various fairs, card parties, and picnics sponsored by the parish. In the early 1900’s, annual jousting tournaments were held each summer where politicians would announce the contests while local “Knights” would complete for the glory of the victory as well as the right to crown the queen of the joust. In modern times, we have held a very successful Spring Fling carnival. Now in our 18th year, this 3-day event, takes place just prior to Mother’s Day.
Two years ago, we began the Long Green Valley Concert Series at St. John. Most of these free or low-cost concerts take place in our historic stone chapel, and they are usually sell-out events. On October 21, the Naval Academy Percussion Ensemble will open this year’s Series, and on December 2, we will offer our popular Advent Lessons and Carols concert.
We are very enthusiastic about a brand new upcoming venture. On September 22, we are inaugurating another community event that we expect to become an annual occurrence. We invite you to escape for a pleasant day or evening amid the picturesque setting of Long Green Valley at our NORTH BALTIMORE COUNTY WINE FESTIVAL.
There will be over 60 international, domestic and local wines offered from 15 wineries. Wine will be for sale by the glass, bottle or sample. Food vendors include The Manor Tavern (Oysters & BBQ), Koopers Taco, Looneys Pub & The Great Cheese. Local brewery beer and soft drinks will also available for purchase. Check out the interesting wares of several Arts & Crafts vendors on the premises. We do ask that no personal food, drinks or coolers be brought onto the property.
This festival runs from 1 to 10 PM. During the day, from 1 to 5 PM, there will be a playground and activities for the kids as well as live music by The Objections Cover Band. Beginning at 6 PM, enjoy Big Band live music by The Brooks Tegler Sextet for listening or dancing under the stars. There will be covered tents, as this is a rain or shine event.
For a $15 entry ticket, you will receive a commemorative glass, starter samples, and a map brochure. There will be two $6 Wine Seminars at 3 and 7 PM (approx. 45 minutes), which will include tastings. There is no admission fee for non-drinkers and children.
We sincerely hope many of you will join us for these community events. The church is located at 13305 Long Green Pike, Hydes MD 21082. Check our website, www.sjehydes.org for updates, phone 410-592-6206 or send email to sjehydes@sjehydes.org.
----Chris Deaver, Sue Doyle
The front porch to your community!
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St. John Long Green Valley
