Reviving History: Maryland’s 17th-Century Church Welcomes Visitors After 320 Years

Reviving History: Maryland’s 17th-Century Church Welcomes Visitors After 320 Years

After more than three centuries, history enthusiasts can finally explore a meticulously reconstructed 17th-century Catholic church in Maryland. This unveiling represents a significant milestone, taking over 320 years to come to fruition.

Historic St. Mary’s City, an archaeological organization dedicated to preserving colonial history, opened the doors of the Brick Chapel on April 12. Originally constructed in 1667, the chapel serves as a testament to early Catholic heritage in Maryland. This colonial town lies in St. Mary’s County along the scenic western shore of Chesapeake Bay.

In an exclusive interview, Henry Miller, Ph.D., a senior research fellow at Historic St. Mary’s City, shared insights about the chapel’s opening. Over three decades of excavation work has led to this important moment, highlighting the collaborative effort to restore the site to its former glory.

A Rich History Unearthed

The original wooden chapel was built in 1645 but succumbed to flames during an attack on Maryland by English Parliament troops. Fast forward to the 1660s, stability returned, allowing for the construction of the Brick Chapel, recognized as the first major brick building in Maryland.

“It was a very significant architectural achievement for the time and place,” Miller explained, referring to its historical importance. In a period when having Catholic churches was largely outlawed, Maryland stood out due to its unique policies.

“Only Lord Baltimore’s policy of liberty and freedom of conscience allowed for the construction of the church,” said Miller, underscoring its role in paving the way for religious freedom in America.

Catholic Center of Worship

For nearly 40 years, the Brick Chapel operated as the center of Catholic worship until 1704 when the Protestant governor ordered its closure. Miller described how the sheriff locked the door and took the key, permanently ending its use for worship.

“This marked the end of Lord Baltimore’s advocacy for freedom of religion,” said Miller, emphasizing the consequences of the political climate of the time.

Following its closure, the chapel fell into obscurity, with its existence fading from memory for more than two centuries. It wasn’t until 1938 that an architectural historian discovered traces of the cross-shaped brick structure.

Restoration and Rediscovery

The reconstruction of the Brick Chapel, completed between 2004 and 2009, showcases a recently finished interior that faithfully reflects the aesthetics of a 17th-century Catholic church. Miller and his team undertook extensive research to recreate the building’s historical features, including visiting similar churches and sourcing artifacts typically found in Jesuit establishments.

Notably, the Jesuits famously repurposed materials, which limited the number of surviving artifacts. Miller noted that “the Jesuits were among the earliest recyclers,” which complicated the restoration process.

However, remnants still exist. The team discovered remnants of plaster, mortar, and a substantial foundation that provides insight into its original design. Miller shared that visitors can now view some original brickwork, adding authenticity to the chapel.

Historical Significance

Among the discoveries, the original tabernacle and unique 17th-century lead coffins, visible under a glass floor, captivate visitors. Miller pointed out that approximately 60 to 70 graves lie within the chapel, while 300 to 400 more are located outside, making it the largest 17th-century cemetery in Maryland.

This distribution of graves highlights the chapel’s former role, indicating where the altar and formal areas were situated.

Challenges in Restoration

The restoration project faced numerous challenges. Miller mentioned he located only one written description of the chapel from the late 1690s. The document, created by a Protestant governor, hinted at the existence of the chapel but provided scant details.

“A Protestant governor, Francis Nicholson, was very anti-Catholic,” said Miller. The brief description he provided was influential yet frustrating due to its lack of detail. Miller humorously remarked, “Oh, how we wish he was a verbose kind of guy” in reference to the missing historical context.

Exhibit of Religious Freedom

Despite the restored church’s significance, it will not serve as a place of formal worship. Instead, it stands as a vital exhibit that narrates the history of religious freedom in Maryland. Miller emphasized the chapel’s role as the founding place of the modern Catholic Church in the United States, noting that “the seeds of faith planted here led to the establishment of the first diocese in Maryland in 1790.”

This church embodies the unique history of religious tolerance, as it could not have been built in other parts of the English-speaking world during that era.

A Unique Visitor Experience

Guests entering the Brick Chapel may be surprised by its elegant yet minimalistic interior. Contrary to the wooden pews commonplace in colonial New England churches, the Brick Chapel features no pews at all. Worshippers in that time typically stood or knelt during services.

“Pews are more of a Protestant innovation,” Miller noted, explaining that shorter Catholic sermons did not require seating.

After decades of dedicated work, the site now offers a unique visitor experience that honors its rich history. Miller expressed excitement about the completed project, stating, “We are delighted that it will finally be completed, allowing us to effectively share this significant American story.”

Fox News Digital’s Brooke Curto and Kyle Schmidbauer contributed to this report.