• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Catholic Review

Catholic Review

Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

Menu
  • Home
  • News
        • Local News
        • World News
        • Vatican News
        • Obituaries
        • Featured Video
        • En Español
        • Sports News
        • Official Clergy Assignments
        • Schools News
  • Commentary
        • Contributors
          • Question Corner
          • George Weigel
          • Effie Caldarola
          • John Garvey
          • Father Ed Dougherty, M.M.
          • Guest Commentary
        • CR Columnists
          • Archbishop William E. Lori
          • Rita Buettner
          • Christopher Gunty
          • George Matysek Jr.
          • Father Joseph Breighner
          • Father Collin Poston
          • Robyn Barberry
          • Hanael Bianchi
          • Amen Columns
  • Entertainment
        • Events
        • Movie & Television Reviews
        • Arts & Culture
        • Books
        • Recipes
  • About Us
        • Contact Us
        • Our History
        • Meet Our Staff
        • Photos to own
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • CR Media platforms
        • Electronic Edition
  • Advertising
  • Shop
        • Purchase Photos
        • Books/CDs/Prayer Cards
        • Magazine Subscriptions
        • Archdiocesan Directory
  • CR Radio
  • News Tips
  • Subscribe
Laura Luhouse (right) helps April Canby in the buffet line during St. Mary

St. Mary celebrates 250 years of faith in Hagerstown

September 18, 2008
By Catholic Review Staff
Filed Under: Local News, News

When Catholics first gathered for Mass in Hagerstown 250 years ago, they did it in secret. Since English penal laws prohibited them from worshipping publically, Hagerstown Catholics met in family homes and relied on Jesuit circuit riders from Conewago, Pa.

It was a far cry from the very public celebration of Catholicism that took place Sept. 21 when more than 400 parishioners crammed into St. Mary in Hagerstown to mark the 250th anniversary of the first Catholic congregation worship in the city.

In his homily, Father George Limmer credited the faith community’s great love for Catholic tradition as a key reason for its solid foundation and longevity. Thousands of Catholics have received the sacraments over many generations, he said.

“Those 250 years of faith traditions are now ours to hand on to others who will come after us,” said Father Limmer, a retired priest and former St. Mary pastor.

“They are a priceless legacy – a treasure that we have received,” he said, “but they are not our own.”

St. Mary traces its origins to the Jesuit priests who celebrated Masses in secret, the priest said. By the late 18th century, Father Limmer noted that a log chapel was built on the site of St. Mary’s present rectory, serving as St. Mary’s first church. The cornerstone for the present church, the third church building, was laid on July 4, 1826.

Father Limmer proudly pointed out that St. Mary is the mother parish of St. Augustine in Williamsport, St. Peter in Hancock, St. Michael in Clear Spring, St. James in Boonsboro, St. Joseph in Halfway and St. Ann in Hagerstown.

During a catered picnic that followed the liturgy, many parishioners highlighted their great love for the Eucharist and traditional Catholic devotions like the rosary.

“Our parish has been around longer than some religions,” said Greg Rohr, a parishioner and father of nine. “We’ve persevered in faith and we’ve seen it all – the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, two world wars and everything else.”

Standing near a display case filled with parish artifacts including a 1909 manual on Forty Hours devotion and a 1941 St. Gregory Hymnal, Father J. Collin Poston said he is inspired by the long commitment to the faith in Hagerstown.

“It’s just really impressive to see how our faith has been treasured for so long,” said Father Poston, administrator.

Irene Wunderlich, coordinator of youth ministry, said the parish has come a long way from the days when Catholics were officially shunned. She is proud of the respected place the church takes within the wider community.

“As Catholics, that should be special to all of us,” she said. “The church is a visible part of American life and not something to be hidden.”

Print Print

Primary Sidebar

Catholic Review Staff

The Catholic Review is the official publication of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

View all posts from this author

For the latest news delivered twice a week via email or text message, sign up to receive our free enewsletter.

| MOST POPULAR |

  • Pope Francis says situation at U.S.-Mexico border is ‘serious problem’
  • Movie Review: ‘The Little Mermaid’
  • Missionary of mercy priest: ‘Be Christ to all people’ in a world ‘hungry for the Word’
  • TV Review: ‘Mrs. Davis’
  • In honoring anti-Catholic activists, L.A. Dodgers strike out

| Latest Local News |

CEO, authors, NFL coach take part in Catholic college commencements

Connect program centered on empathy, listening

RADIO INTERVIEW: How to grow in your openness to the Holy Spirit

| Latest World News |

Dioceses wake up to youth mental health crisis, helping parents, teachers and pastors take action

Experts hail U.S. surgeon general’s social media warning for youth mental health

Missionary of mercy priest: ‘Be Christ to all people’ in a world ‘hungry for the Word’

| Catholic Review Radio |

CatholicReview · Catholic Review Radio

Footer

Our Vision

Real Life. Real Faith. 

Catholic Review Media communicates the Gospel and its impact on people’s lives in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond.

Our Mission

Catholic Review Media provides intergenerational communications that inform, teach, inspire and engage Catholics and all of good will in the mission of Christ through diverse forms of media.

Contact

Catholic Review
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-524-3150
mail@CatholicReview.org

 

Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent

  • Dioceses wake up to youth mental health crisis, helping parents, teachers and pastors take action
  • The Beauty of Mass in the Gym
  • Exquisite pizza, the school year winding down, and a shopping day (7 Quick Takes)
  • Experts hail U.S. surgeon general’s social media warning for youth mental health
  • As COVID’s emergency phase ends, Catholic experts share takeaways for the church
  • Missionary of mercy priest: ‘Be Christ to all people’ in a world ‘hungry for the Word’
  • Florida Catholic wife, mom, doctor involved in sainthood causes says Eucharist is central to all she does
  • Nun’s incorruptible remains highlight rich heritage of Black Catholics in U.S., say experts
  • Under surveillance, government pressure, China needs prayers, observers say

Search

Membership

Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada

Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association

The Associated Church Press

© 2023 CATHOLIC REVIEW MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED