Dorsey Chapel Historic Site
10704 Brookland Road
Glenn Dale, MD
Tel: (240) 264-3415
Email: dorseychapel@pgparks.com
Hours:
Tues-Sat : 9am-6pm
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 small weddings, recitals and meetings. Click on the Rentals tab for further information.
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
Friday-Saturday from 9am-6pm (except major holidays).
Capacity
Maximum 50 people
Rates (Residents)
Weekends
- Friday-Saturday (3 hr. block-required): $250
- Extra Hour: $50/hour
- Deposit: $50
Weekdays
- Tuesday-Thursday (2 hr. minimum): $35/hour
- Deposit: $50
Rates (Non-residents)
Weekends
- Friday-Saturday (3 hr. block-required): $325
- Extra Hour: $65/hour
- Deposit: $50
Weekdays
- Tuesday-Thursday. (2 hr. minimum): $46
- Deposit: $50
Reservation Process
Contact the M-NCPPC Black History Program main office at 240-264-3415 or dorseychapel@pgparks.com to determine if your desired date is available for a rental and to schedule a site tour. A site tour and payment of the non-refundable $50 deposit is required to reserve the chapel.
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, homeowner’s insurance, or renter’s insurance policy.
All rentals must be booked at least 30 days in advance.
Payment Schedule & Options
The deposit must be made when the date is reserved. The remaining fee balance is due no later than 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) before the event. Failure to pay the remaining balance 30 days before the date will result in the cancellation of your event and forfeiture of fees paid. Payment can be made by Visa or Master Card by contacting the M-NCPPC Black History Program main office at 240-264-3415.
Cancellation Policy
Notification of cancellation is required via email: dorseychapel@pgparks.com. The email message must be sent from the contract holder using the email address of record. If the contract holder cancels the event 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) or more before the scheduled event date, all money paid will be refunded, less the cost of deposit. If the contract holder cancels an event less than 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) 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
- Dorsey Chapel is a ceremony-only venue. Food and drink are strictly prohibited.
- Decorations should be affixed with pipe cleaners or ribbon. Tape, nails, tacks, or pushpins are prohibited inside or outside the chapel. Nothing may be hung on the walls or windows.
- Glitter, confetti (including artificial flower petals), rice, and birdseed are strictly prohibited.
- Renters will be fined for any damage 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 to 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 are prohibited, with the exception of a unity candle for wedding ceremonies.
- M-NCPPC Black History Program staff may provide additional rules and regulations as needed.
