Compton Village in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

St. Mary's Church

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, January 18, 2016

1. St. Mary's Church Marker

Inscription. This church was founded in 1858 and dedicated the same year by Bishop (now Saint) John N. Neumann of Philadelphia. Referred to at the time as a ‘model of beauty, simplicity, solidity and economy,” the church represents an example of the Byzantine Revival architectural style. The principal founder and first priest was the Very Reverend Patrick Reilly, who served the parish from 1858 until his death in 1885. A central tower was added to church in 1871. Originally incorporated as “St. Mary’s Catholic Church” in 1877, the name of the church was changed when it was reincorporated in 1894 and became incorporated as “Church of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.” A rededication service was held on December 8, 1907, after expansion of the facility. Additional land was purchased for the church complex at various times during the 20th century. Although extensively damaged during a fire in the 1960s, the structure was saved and continues to serve the spiritual needs of residents of the community. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Erected 2007 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-168.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition,

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it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 39° 44.347′ N, 75° 32.652′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Compton Village. It is at the intersection of N. Pine Street and East 6th Street, on the right when traveling north on N. Pine Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington DE 19801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Philadelphia.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic

and on the Delmarva Peninsula.

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 New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Scott AME Zion Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mother Union American Methodist Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away); Old Swedes Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Congregation of Crane Hook Church Built Holy Trinity Church 1698-1699 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hendrickson House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Burr Family Vault (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brinckle Family (approx. 0.2 miles away); "M. B." Stone (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.

Also see . . . St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.

St. Mary's is the only church in Delaware associated with
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, January 18, 2016

2. St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception
Blessed John Nepomucene Neumann, Bishop of Philadelphia 1852-1860, and now a candidate for canonization by the Roman Catholic Church. The church was built under his direction while Wilmington was part of the Philadelphia Diocese, and he conducted the elaborate ceremony of consecration on its completion in 1859.

(Submitted on April 23, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)

St. Mary's Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, January 18, 2016

3. St. Mary's Church

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, January 18, 2016

4. St. Mary's Church

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., May 4, 2024

5. St. Mary's Church Marker

This plaque is just inside the entrance, on the floor. 1976 is also noted in this entry as the year of addition to register of historic places. Inscription:
In the year of Our Lord
eighteen hundred and fifty eight
on the thirty first day of October
this building was consecrated
to the glory of God
by Bishop John N. Neumann
In the same spirit of this saintly man
we rededicate ourselves and this church
on this thirty first day of October
nineteen hundred and seventy six

Credits. This page was last revised on April 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 805 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 19, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5. submitted on May 16, 2024, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland.