St. Mary's Parish, Annapolis

St. Mary’s Parish is one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the region. A Catholic mission existed here as early as 1822. The parish was established in 1853 when the Redemptorist Fathers formed a permanent community. Early members included Irish and German immigrants and both free and enslaved Black Catholics. The church stands on land once owned by Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The present church building was constructed between 1858 and 1860. It was designed by architect Louis L. Long in the Gothic Revival style, common for churches in the nineteenth century. The brick building has pointed arches, tall windows, and a bell tower above the entrance. Inside are a long nave, blue vaulted ceilings, a large wooden altar, and statues installed in 1885.

Education has long been an important part of parish life. St. Mary’s Elementary School opened in 1862 and has educated generations of students. The parish has continued to grow while preserving its historic buildings and traditions. Today it holds regular Mass services, school activities, and community events, and visitors often stop to see the church and learn about the Catholic community that formed in the nineteenth century.