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The theme of the 230th session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference is “Building Bridges: Be Love.” The logo features a bridge from every region in the Conference. From the Western Region, comprised of the Cumberland-Hagerstown and Frederick Districts, is the Burnside Bridge at Antietem Battlefield, near Sharpsburg (above).

Built in 1836, the 125-foot, three arch stone and masonry bridge played a key role in the Civil War Battle of Antietem. On Sept. 17, 1862, one of bloodiest days in American history, the Union Ninth Corps, under the command of Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside, faced the daunting task of attacking Confederate infantry and artillery located on the far side of the bridge. The task of crossing the bridge in the face of a stubborn Confederate defense took five hours, during which more than 500 Union troops were killed or wounded.

The Cumberland-Hagerstown District, led by Superintendent Conrad Link, has 85 churches, including 20 multi-point charges; 59 clergy; 18,681 members and an average worship attendance each Sunday of 6,131.

The Frederick District, led by Superintendent Edgardo Rivera has 93 churches, 94 clergy, 22,041 members and an average of 8,100 in worship.