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St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria was the first permanent Catholic church in Virginia. Few people who pass through the well-worn wooden doors into the hallowed atmosphere of St. Mary's are aware of its unique history. In a state once unfriendly to Catholics, St. Mary's served its flock through war and peace and ultimately became the mother of many Virginia Catholic churches due to the perseverance of mission priests, religious communities, and many faithful souls.

The person who was considered most instrumental in establishing Catholicism in Alexandria was Colonel John Fitzgerald, who had served as aide-de-camp to General Washington during the struggle for independence. Masses were said in the Fitzgerald residence until a small square brick chapel was built on land at the southern end of Washington Street, the present site of St. Mary's cemetery. When the building was razed in 1810, the congregation purchased the Methodist meeting house on Chapel Alley.

A permanent church home was finally realized in 1826 when a forty-five by sixty foot building was constructed on Royal Street. In 1856 the church was enlarged and beautified. The sanctuary was lengthened twenty feet, galleries were installed to accommodate the overflowing congregation, and Gothic windows and a marble altar were added.

Produced with the cooperation of St. Mary's Church, Alexandria, Virginia.

Text © 1996 Dianne Harrah, Drawing © 1996 Bill Harrah