A Unique All Souls' Day Blessing 

On All Souls' Day November 2^nd, the Rev Dr Charles Walthall met with family members and friends who live or have lived on Dundee, a 400 acre tract of land on the Miles River patented in 1675 by John Kennimont/Kininmont. John's daughter Hannah married Alexander Ray, whose descendants lived at Dundee. The group gathered to bless the site of Dundee Church and cemetery 1720-1779 on Little Dundee and the Ray family graveyard on Big Dundee. Chuck is currently researching the churches on Miles River Neck , former chapels of ease for St Michael's parish, that preceded All Faith Chapel. These also include: St John's Church Miles River Ferry 1839-1892, and All Saints' Church Longwoods 1873-1950. Dundee Church fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1779. There is currently nothing visible at the site. St John's collapsed in 1898, was deconsecrated and sold in 1980. The romantic ruin still stands at the end of Miles River Bridge. All Saints' Church Longwoods was deconsecrated, sold, and is now used as a private residence. In the Ray family cemetery, the only fully marked grave stone is that of Eliza Ann Ray 1799-1865. The top face of the stone depicts a lovely willow tree and an obelisk. The stone reads: “Walnut Hill is my tent and Heaven is my home.” Anyone with old photos or knowledge about these churches or their graveyards, please contact Rev Walthall at All Faith Chapel, Tunis Mills.

In the photo: L to R: Matt Priddy, Margret & Elaine nee Schnoor, & charles Walthall