Newport in Newport County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
St. Mary’s Parish
Photographed by Marc Belanger, August 24, 2009
1. Old St. Mary’s Church Marker
St. Mary's Parish was founded April 8, 1828 and is the oldest Parish in the Diocese of Providence
Present structure begun August 7, 1848. Dedicated on July 25, 1852. Consecrated on August 15, 1884.
President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier were married here on September 12, 1953.
St. Mary's was designated a National Historic Shrine on November 24, 1968.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. 41° 29.032′ N, 71° 18.767′ W. Marker is in Newport, Rhode Island, in Newport County. It is on William Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12 William Street, Newport RI 02840, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Peter Lee House (within shouting distance of this marker); Spring & John Streets (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Perry Mill (about 600 feet away); The Francis Malbone House (about 600 feet away); Serenity Inn Newport (about 700 feet away); United Congregational Church (about 700 feet away); Pelham Street (about 700 feet away); Edward King House (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport.
Regarding St. Mary’s Parish. John Kennedy, then a US Senator,
this page online
Photographed by Don Morfe, October 1, 1979
2. Old St. Mary’s Church Marker
Church of the Holy Name-Mary our Lady of the Isle-Oldest Catholic Parish-Rhode Island 1828. President John F. Kennedy was married-this church 1953.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 14, 2025
3. St. Mary’s Parish Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, September 14, 2025
4. St. Mary’s Parish Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 505 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on January 11, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on March 25, 2023, by Marc Belanger of Reno, Nevada. 2. submitted on July 10, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on October 18, 2025, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
