Landmarks Commission recommends St. John’s Church, Western Run for National Register

The Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend that St. John’s Church, Western Run, be forwarded to the Maryland Historical Trust and the National Park Service for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

Staff presented a history of the property and the nomination, saying the 4‑acre site at 3738 Butler Road is already a county landmark and a contributing resource in the Worthington Valley National Register historic district. Caitlin (staff member) told the commission the nomination argues the site meets National Register criteria A (association with patterns of religion and settlement) and C (architecture), noting continuous Episcopal worship on the site since about 1820 and a rebuilt Gothic Revival church dedicated in 1870. "Staff recommends that the LPC recommend it for listing on the National Register," Caitlin said.

Commissioner John Holman moved to follow staff’s recommendation, calling the property “clearly eligible.” The motion was seconded and carried in a roll‑call vote. Commissioners praised the nomination’s research and the church’s intact Gothic features, including the stone walls, lychgate and associated rectory and graveyard. No public testimony or written comments were offered at the hearing; staff reported the property owners support the nomination.

The commission’s recommendation is an advisory step in the state and federal process: if Baltimore County and the Maryland Historical Trust agree, the nomination will proceed to the governor’s consulting committee and, if supported, will be forwarded to the National Park Service for final action.

Votes and formal action: The commission voted to recommend listing (motion by Commissioner John Holman; second recorded). Roll‑call recorded unanimous support (13 yes, 0 no).