Dorsey Chapel Historic Site
10704 Brookland Road
Glenn Dale, MD
Tel: (240) 264-3415
Email: dorseychapel@pgparks.com
Hours:
Mon-Sun : closed
Built in 1900 as a Methodist church, Dorsey Chapel served as the social and spiritual center of Brookland, an African American farming community.
Through the 1960s the chapel’s membership dwindled and the building fell into disrepair. When the chapel was scheduled for demolition in 1980, the Friends of Dorsey Chapel organized to preserve the church.
Today, this small frame meetinghouse-style church is considered an architectural jewel. Designated a Prince George’s County “historic site” by the Historic Preservation Commission and restored by M-NCPPC, Dorsey Chapel was re-dedicated and opened to the public as a museum on September 11, 1996. The Chapel is available for rental for small weddings, recitals, and meetings.
Dorsey Chapel is available for history tours, small weddings, recitals and meetings. Individual or group tours may be scheduled by appointment. Browse our Rental Details for more information.
Admission
- Adults: $3
- Seniors: $2
- Children ages 5-18: $1
- Children ages 4 & under: Free
Directions
Dorsey Chapel is located in Glenn Dale, Maryland off Route 193, north of Route 564 (Lanham-Severn Road).
From the Capital Beltway (I-495) North, take Exit 20A Lanham/Route 450 (Annapolis Road) East.
From the Beltway South, take exit 20-A/B. At the end of the ramp turn left onto Route 450 East. From the right lanes, follow signs to Route 564 (Lanham-Severn Road). Proceed on Route 564 East about 4 miles. Turn left onto Route 193 West. Make the first right onto Northern Avenue. Proceed about 1/4 mile, and turn right onto Brookland Road. Dorsey Chapel is the first driveway on the left.
From the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, take the Route 193/Greenbelt Exit. Turn left onto Route 193 East. Proceed about 4 miles, turn left onto Northern Avenue (first left after Mission Drive). Turn right onto Brookland Road. Dorsey Chapel is the first driveway on the left.
Distinguished by Gothic Revival and Queen Anne decorative elements and ornamental shingles on its principal gable, Dorsey Chapel is a rare surviving example of this type of architecture in Prince George’s County. The Chapel is situated on 2.5 acres of land and is available for rental for small weddings, christenings or other religious services.
Availability
Daily, year-round (except major holidays)
Capacity
Maximum 50 people
Rates (Residents)
Weekends
- Friday-Sunday (3 hr. block-required): $250
- Extra Hour: $50/hour
- Deposit: $50
Weekdays
- Monday-Thursday (2 hr. minimum): $35/hour
- Deposit: $50
Rates (Non-residents)
Weekends
- Friday-Sunday (3 hr. block-required): $325
- Extra Hour: $65/hour
- Deposit: $50
Weekdays
- Monday-Thursday (2 hr. minimum): $46
- Deposit: $50
Reservation Process
Complete the Elegant Settings Rental Application form and pay the non-refundable $50 deposit. Please note that proof of residency is required to receive the Prince George’s/Montgomery County rental rate. Valid proof of residency includes a driver’s license, utility bill, deed to a house, lease agreement, home owner’s insurance, or renter’s insurance policy.
Payment Schedule & Options
The deposit must be made when the date is reserved. The remaining fee balance is due no later than 30 days before the event. Failure to pay remaining balance 30 days before the date will result in the cancellation of your event and forfeiture of fees paid. Payment can be made in the form of cashier’s check or money order made payable to M-NCPPC, cash, or by Visa or Master Card. Cash payments must be made in the exact amount as the facility does not carry change.
Cancellation Policy
Notification of cancellation is required in writing and must be signed by the contract holder. If the contract holder cancels the event 30 days or more before the scheduled event date, all money paid will be refunded, less the cost of deposit. If the contract holder cancels event less than 30 days before the scheduled event date, all money will be forfeited.
Accessibility
The historic chapel and the adjacent auxiliary building are both ADA accessible. Restrooms are located in the auxiliary building.
Damages
Renter is responsible for all damages incurred.
Rules for Use
- Food or beverages are prohibited inside the chapel (a water fountain is located in the auxiliary building)
- Decorations should be affixed with pipe cleaners or ribbon. Tape, nails, tacks, or push-pins are prohibited inside or outside the chapel. Nothing may be hung on the walls or windows.
- Renters will be fined for any damages incurred.
- Excessive noise or amplified sound systems are not allowed inside or outside of the chapel. An upright piano is located onsite and is available for use. You may bring a small radio or an iPod docking station with speakers for ceremonial/service music in the chapel.
- An M-NCPPC staff member must be on-site for any viewing, set-up, rehearsal, or event
- All trash must be removed off-site by the contract holder at the end of the event
- Wax candles, with the exception of a unity candle for wedding ceremonies
