Sumner Hall

05/16/2026

The James Taylor Justice Coalition* (JTJC) presents
2026 JUSTICE DAY
James Taylor Historical Marker Dedication
Sunday, May 17, 2026 @ 3PM

Program, Unveiling and Refreshments
Emmanuel Episcopal & N. Cross Street, Chestertown MD

In 1892, James Taylor, a 23-year-old Black man, was lynched in Chestertown by a masked, armed, white mob while hundreds watched. this marker documents the history of racial terror, advocates for public confession, and honors and dignifies the lives of victims.

*The James Taylor Justice Coalition (JTJC) – established in July 2019 – is one of several county initiatives devoted to advancing racial justice in Maryland.

JTJC is Sumner Hall’s response to the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Law (HB 307) which unanimously passed both houses of the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Hogan in February 2019. This law authorized a state Commission to research cases of racially motivated lynchings and to hold public meetings and regional hearings where a lynching of an African American by a white mob has been documented.
For more info visit - https://sumnerhall.org/james-taylor-justice-coalition/

https://www.facebook.com/share/1L5spX3z5Q/

05/14/2026

Grace in the Process
Your Nightly Prayer
by Kyle Norman

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.” - Ephesians 2:8

he gospel message, however, is that we are saved by grace. Grace is the unearned, unwarranted gift of divine love. We don’t do anything for it; we simply receive it. We claim this in faith, which means we dare to believe that God’s grace exists in those places where we are tempted to disregard it. God’s grace covers every moment and corner of life. When we live from this place of grace, our lives become transformed. Temptations lose their power. Forgiveness and peace flow out from us. These things occur because we know that nothing in heaven or on earth can discredit God’s love.

As you move into a time of rest this night, ask yourself these three questions: Firstly, “Where did I experience God’s grace today?” Secondly, “Where did I give grace today? Lastly, where may I have missed God's grace today? Grace is the foundation of our life with God. It points us to what God does more than what we earn or accomplish. We never earn God’s blessings, for to earn them would be to undercut their very nature. You are saved by grace. May that truth grant you peace this night, and always.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Precious Jesus,
There are not enough words to express my appreciation for your grace. My heart is filled with gratitude for your love, poured out into my life. I thank you that I can claim grace in any situation. There is no problem, mistake, failure, or sin that your grace won’t cover. And so, as I rest my body this night, may my soul rest in the grace that saves me.
Lord, when I am tempted to believe that I earn my salvation, help me to know that there is nothing that I can do to make you love me more. Free me from the selfish need to perform or prove myself. When I am tempted to twist the words of grace into insults of condemnation, help me to know that there is nothing that I can do to make you love me less. Free me from the vices of self-rejection, and self condemnation.
Please strengthen my faith in this truth.
I pray all this in the gracious name of Jesus.
Amen.

05/14/2026

https://theeveningenterprise.com/historical-marker-near-lynching-site-in-chestertown-to-be-unveiled-on-justice-day/

Historical marker near lynching site in Chestertown to be unveiled on Justice Day -

05/13/2026

CHESTERTOWN — The James Taylor Justice Coalition of Sumner Hall will host Justice Day 2026 at 3 p.m. May 17 at Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall in downtown Chestertown.

05/08/2026

Join us for a incredible trip touring two estates along the Delaware River. The first stop is Andalusia, with the second being the Grundy Mansion! Scan the QR code for more details about this special event!

05/08/2026

The James Taylor Justice Coalition* (JTJC) presents
2026 JUSTICE DAY
James Taylor Historical Marker Dedication
May 17, 2026 @ 3PM

Program, Unveiling and Refreshments
Emmanuel Episcopal & N. Cross Street, Chestertown MD

In 1892, James Taylor, a 23-year-old Black man, was lynched in Chestertown by a masked, armed, white mob while hundreds watched. this marker documents the history of racial terror, advocates for public confession, and honors and dignifies the lives of victims.

*The James Taylor Justice Coalition (JTJC) – established in July 2019 – is one of several county initiatives devoted to advancing racial justice in Maryland.
JTJC is Sumner Hall’s response to the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Law (HB 307) which unanimously passed both houses of the legislature and was signed into law by Governor Hogan in February 2019. This law authorized a state Commission to research cases of racially motivated lynchings and to hold public meetings and regional hearings where a lynching of an African American by a white mob has been documented.
For more info visit - https://sumnerhall.org/james-taylor-justice-coalition/

https://www.facebook.com/share/1L5spX3z5Q/

04/24/2026

Sumner Hall to Debut Iconic Quilt at Tea Party Festivities By Lisa J. Gotto ...Read more at https://chestertownspy.org/2026/04/22/sumner-hall-to-debut-iconic-quilt-at-tea-party-festivities-by-lisa-j-gotto/

04/21/2026

SUMNER HALL IS PROUD RECIPIENT OF FY26 SHINE GRANT from Maryland Humanities

The Marilyn Hatza Memorial SHINE Grant Program is one way that Maryland Humanities fulfills its mission of Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity. Maryland Humanities’ grants fund general operating support to nonprofits conducting work in the humanities throughout Maryland. Sumner Hall is able to support a part-time internship position to work with the Board of Directors to implement community programs.

04/07/2026

Meet and Greet with New Chestertown Town Manager - https://mailchi.mp/sumnerhall/whatshappening-17995551

02/08/2026

Black History Month at Sumner Hall - RSVP appreciated https://sumnerhall.org/rsvp