On a spring evening seventeen years ago (May 31. 1879). a dinner was served in Sykesville to two distinguished visitors of the Town and a local luminary. The visitors were James Sykes. from who the Town of Sykesille takes it's name, and a companion from England, Ely Stout. The local resident was the Rev. Robert Piggot, pastor of the two local Episcopal Churches; Holy Trinity of Eldersburg and St. Barnabas of Sykesville.
A Westminster newspaper, the Democratic Advocate, reported 'the aggregate age of the three guests were 250 years; the dinner at the home of Mr. John Grimes was a memorable one. The jokes were good and brought forth many a hearty laugh. They lingered long over the dainty dishes that were prepared for them and at parting promised themselves the pleasure of another reunion at some future time". My own imagination adds to this jolly scene. The benediction of brandy and cigars on the porch as the sweet smell of locust blooms filled the night air.
Robert Piggot had moved to Sykesville two years before in 1868, just in time to experience "the big flood" which swept most of Sykesville away. His churches were, fortunately, beyond the reach of the flood waters. Within a year of the flood, his rectory burned, the fire consuming everything including his "literary work" of 53 years, 43 years of sermons, and the official Perish records of baptisms, marriages, confirmations and burials. His correspondence, preserved in the Archives of the Episcopal Diocese, reflect a man undaunted by hardship and poor health, zealous; at times, controversial, and feisty. "I was completely burnt out, left standing in my shoes, in my right place, the pulpit".
Piggot's early years, in Long Island and in Philadelphia, were spent as an engraver, a form of graphic art which required both manual skill and artistic ability. This skill is seen present in his hand writing - beautifully executed even at the age of 90.
Piggot's ministry was carried out in parishes in Pennsylvania and Delaware before saving several older Maryland parishes, starting new churches, before arriving in Sykesville in his 74th year. He had a life long interest in education and founded or taught in several academies and colleges including the Protestant University in Baltimore where he was professor of general graphics, geography and history. He had not been in Sykesville long before he found a colleague in his zeal and established "an Episcopal Academy" on "Rectory Hill" (possibly a site above the dinky track trestle). The colleague. Susanna Warfield, was a local woman of influence and means who had led the movement to erect St. Barnabas Church on land donated by mill owner and industrial entrepreneur, James Sykes.
Neither Piggot or Susanna lived to see the inception, at the end of "College Avenue", of the "Warfield College School for Boys", but it was the fulfillment of their joint prayers that the College was created. Rev. Dr. Robert Piggot's grave at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Eldersburg, is marked by a large cross attesting to his long life(1795-1887), and a quote from the New Testament; "He Being Dead Yet Speaketh". One wonders if it refers to a favorite Bible passage of his, or if it is a tribute to his influence, touching Sykesville people, even after his death.
Information for this article researched by Mrs. Thelma Wimmer and James Purman.