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.
St. Mary's Church. . 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.
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: Churches & Religion. In addition, it
Click or scan to see this page online
is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. 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. Marker 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.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 416 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 19, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.