Parish Established in Solomons

In 1888, with less than 100 Catholics in Calvert County a parish was established in Solomons Island by Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore. Jesuit priests traveled there to minister to the people, celebrating Mass periodically in the homes of local Catholics. As people migrated to this area, finding work in the oyster or shipbuilding industry, Catholicism began to grow.

In 1895, the first church, called St. Mary’s, was built on Sedwick Avenue, where the present cemetery is.

Priests from Benedict served the Catholic community there, often traveling on horseback or boat. In 1904 the church in Solomons was listed as Our Lady Star of the Sea Church rather than under its former name, St. Mary’s.

In 1920, Fr. Maurice Alexander became the first resident pastor to a congregation still less than 100 adult members and with cash on hand of $40. The discouragement, disappointment and loneliness were sometimes overwhelming. With the support of Washington’s first Archbishop, The Most Rev. Michael J. Curley (1939-1947), Fr. Alexander began an appeal to friends and more affluent parishes for financial resources. The success of this appeal enabled him to begin purchasing land and in 1927 the church was moved from the cemetery site to Clara’s Point (approximately where the present school stands today). With help from the local community, the church was jacked up and a wooden sled built underneath resting on heavily greased oak timbers. In May, 1927, the cornerstone of a new church was laid.

When the church was dedicated in 1928, its tall steeple gave watermen a new "mark" to use for location of oyster bars on the Patuxent River.

Tragically, the old church burned in 1939, destroying many of the older church records.

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