Evan Haning, wtop.com
WASHINGTON — At sunset Monday, Frederick, Maryland will stage its 25th Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship.
Eleven churches and Beth Sholom Synagogue will open to visitors with music, some light refreshments, and Civil War history.
During the Civil War, legend has it that Barbara Fritchie waved the Union flag as Confederate troops marched through the city, which was known as Frederick Town.
Her supposed act of defiance was immortalized by John Greenleaf Whittier in his poem, “Barbara Frietchie.” “‘Shoot if you must this old gray head, but spare your country’s flag,’ she said.”
The poem begins, “The clustered spires of Frederick stand, green walled by the hills of Maryland.”
Some of those spires will be open to tourists between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Dec. 26.
You can download a copy of the walking tour brochure, which includes a map and participating churches.
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