St. Mary Catholic Church in Newport, Maryland, is marking a significant milestone in 2024: 350 years since its founding in 1674. It is the third oldest continuously operating Catholic parish in the United States to reach such an age. To honor its historic role as a place of worship and community gathering in Southern Maryland, celebratory events are planned throughout the year.
The year-long celebrations commenced in January with a special mass and brunch, co-hosted by the Knights of Columbus Holy Ghost Council. One of the major highlights will be a community picnic on July 7, which will feature home-cooked food, music, and family activities, reminiscent of traditional gatherings from years past.
Another significant event will be held on September 7, when His Eminence Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, will preside over a special 350th Anniversary Mass. This will be followed by a formal reception and dinner, including a silent auction to raise funds for the restoration of St. Mary’s historic chapel. Additionally, the parish is producing a new 350th parish directory and will offer commemorative merchandise to celebrate the occasion.
The celebrations aim to honor and raise awareness of St. Mary’s historical significance in Southern Maryland and across the country. Rev. Matthew Fish, who served as St. Mary’s Pastor from 2021 to 2024, remarked, “St. Mary’s 350th Anniversary is a chance to learn how this parish has been part of the most influential periods in Maryland’s history. Even more importantly, for Catholics, it is an opportunity to appreciate how God oftentimes works great miracles in the most unlikely of places.”
St. Mary’s founding in 1674 closely followed the establishment of two neighboring parishes: St. Ignatius Chapel Point in Port Tobacco and St. Francis Xavier in Newtowne, both founded in 1662. These three parishes have the distinction of operating continuously since their founding, a rarity among older Catholic parishes in the country.
Initially founded by two priests from the Catholic Franciscan order sent from England, St. Mary is the only Franciscan-founded church in the original 13 colonies. In 1698, the parish transitioned to the care of the Jesuits at St. Thomas Manor in Chapel Point, remaining under their stewardship for 183 years. In 1881, the parish became part of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and in 1947, the newly formed Archdiocese of Washington assumed responsibility, continuing to oversee it today.
Newport was heavily settled by Catholic families during the late 17th through 19th centuries. Many of these families’ names are inscribed on headstones in St. Mary’s cemetery, reflecting their loyalty to their Catholic faith during periods of religious persecution. Their contributions were vital to St. Mary’s survival and its vibrant role in the community over the past three centuries.
For parishioners like Pat and Jenny Wathen, St. Mary Newport has been a family presence since John Wathen settled in Newport in 1674. Their family farm and the homes of their descendants remain close to the parish. “The parish was central to the support of our ancestors and the community,” they said. “We pray that future generations will continue this legacy and Newport will continue serving those in need.”
Similarly, when Francis Simpson settled in Newport in 1840, his family was already established in the area. He was very active at St. Mary Church, and many of his descendants are buried in the church cemetery. Irma Simpson, whose late husband Joseph was a descendant of Francis, has worshipped at the parish since 1955. “I’ve seen a lot of pastors and changes over the years,” she said. “We are still here and thriving.”
The picturesque, rural location surrounded by farms and woodlands gives a sense of timelessness. The parish grounds include a 1950s-built church, cemetery, shrine to St. Jean Vianney, and the St. Francis parish hall. A historic chapel dating back to the late 1700s offers a glimpse into the parish’s earlier days. Ongoing restoration of this chapel aims to provide a dedicated place for supporting and praying for priests and vocations to the priesthood.
For more information about St. Mary Catholic Church and its 350th-anniversary celebrations, visit St. Mary Catholic Church.