In 1700 a frame chapel ministered by Jesuit missionaries was attached to the home of Major William Boardman. Father David erected a church in 1793. Under Father Courtney in 1845 a new brick church was begun which is the middle section of the present building. Fire destroyed all but the walls in 1963. The rebuilt church was dedicated in 1966. St. Mary’s was established as a separate parish from the Waldorf, Aquasco and Benedict areas in 1851.