Rockville in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Saint Mary’s Church
Lost Rockville - 1801 to 1850
St. Mary’s Church, built in 1817, is the oldest church still in use in Rockville. Rockville was chosen for the church location for its relatively large concentration of Catholics, it central location, and its prominence as the County seat. St. Mary's became the church from which other upcounty mission churches sprang.
Father James Redmond established an eight-member congregation here in 1816. A member of the congregation sold four acres of land to the church for $300. Parishioners helped construct the Georgian-style building, which was the first brick Catholic Church in the County. The bricks arches were hand-rubbed to create a contrasting color and texture to the brick walls. The main building was 53 feet long by 36 feet wide. A 15-foot square extension at the rear included a small sacristy and the pastor's living quarters. Father Redmond offered the first Mass in St. Mary's Church on December 14, 1817.
Although the church has been remodeled and enlarged several times, most of the original church remains today and seats approximately 150. In the 1960s, a new church was built next to it, and a demolition permit was issued for the old church in 1966. It was saved at the last moment by parishioners and concerned citizens. The American writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and his wife Zelda, and members of his family are buried in the adjacent cemetery.
Erected 2001 by City of Rockville, Maryland, and The Rockville Historic District Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Maryland, Lost Rockville – 1801 to 1850 series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1817.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 4.927′ N, 77° 8.746′ W. Marker was in Rockville, Maryland, in Montgomery County. Marker was at the intersection of Viers Mill Road (Maryland Route 28) and Rockville Pike (Maryland Route 355), on the right when traveling west on Viers Mill Road. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 8 Baltimore Rd, Rockville MD 20850, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Saint Mary's Catholic Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Saint Mary's Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Rockville Station (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Montgomery County Jail (approx. 0.3 miles away); Gettysburg Campaign (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockville.