CH-7

St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church

Architectural Survey File

This is the architectural survey file for this MIHP record. The survey file is organized reverse-

chronological (that is, with the latest material on top). It contains all MIHP inventory forms, National

Register nomination forms, determinations of eligibility (DOE) forms, and accompanying documentation

such as photographs and maps.

Users should be aware that additional undigitized material about this property may be found in on-site

architectural reports, copies of HABS/HAER or other documentation, drawings, and the “vertical files” at

the MHT Library in Crownsville. The vertical files may include newspaper clippings, field notes, draft

versions of forms and architectural reports, photographs, maps, and drawings. Researchers who need a

thorough understanding of this property should plan to visit the MHT Library as part of their research

project; look at the MHT web site (mht.maryland.gov) for details about how to make an appointment.

All material is property of the Maryland Historical Trust.

Last Updated: 11-21-2003

CH-7 St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church Chapel Point

1798

Commanding one of the most magnificent views in Tidewater Maryland,

this brick edifice was built against the west end of the original 17th century

church structure standing on this site, with the sanctuary of the present church

partially enclosed within the earlier structure. The earlier building now serves as

a combination hyphen and sacristy connecting the manor house to the church.

The interior of St. Ignatius Church was destroyed in 1866 and all existing

interior detail dates from the second half of the 19th century. Early 20th century

photographs show the galleried interior to have had elaborate wall and ceiling

frescoes of which only those within the sanctuary remain.

St. Thomas Manor dates from 1662 when the deed to the 4,000 acre

property was formally turned over to the Jesuit Order after having been held in

trust for the Society of Jesus by Thomas Matthews since the original grant to

Father Copley in 1649. Shortly thereafter, a house and church, which the

existing two buildings replaced, were erected here.

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1· STA TE t-4ary I and couNTY Charles County TOWN VICINITY"

sTREETNo. Chapel Point

ORIGINAL OWNER Society of Jeaue 0R1G1NAL use Church PRESENT OWNER Society of Jeaua P RE s EN T us E Church w A LL coN s TRu c T10N Brick No. oF sToR1Es one

HISTORIC A~ERICAN BUILD! NGS SURYEY 1 INVENTORY CH -

2. NAME St. Ignatius l.!hurch

DATE OR PERIOD

STYLE

ARCHITECT

BUILD ER

1798

3. FOR LIBRARY OF CONGRESS USE

4. NOTABLE FEATURES, HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND DESCRIPTION OPEN TO PUBLIC YES

St. lgnatiua Church, at Chapel Point, was built in 1798. It ia three bd)"s wide anJ four bays deep. The entrance is on the west gable. It is built of brick laid in Flemiah bond. The windows are ae•i-circular erchea of gauged brick and 1110lded stone. Those on the north side are set within a recessed panel • The windows on the west facade have llntela with atone keyatonea. There is a modern vestibule surrounding the 11Ntin center door. The window above the vestibule has a •••I-circular arch of 9DUged brick with atone keystone and imposts. There ia a molded etone water table continuing on the north and west aides, and a 11e>lded brick water-table on the south side. The impaata of the windows on the north aide connect, for•ing a belt course between the windowa. All of the window& are atoined glass. The cornice ia of wood and haa dentila, brackets and acolJopa. There is a tin roof. At the roof peak, over the entrance. ia a bell cupola with a •pire. In the gable is a semi-circular window and a atone date plaque.

The sanctuary has a vaulted cei Ii n9, the nave has a flat cei 1-i ng. The present white pews originally had doors and may be origina I.

(continueJ on Pf.lUC 2)

5. PHYSICAL CONDITION OF ~TRUCTURE Endangered

Goosf c09dition

~ 6. LOCATION MAP (Pion Optio,,ol)

3. PUBLISHED SOURCES (Author, Title, Pages)

INTERVIEWS, RECORDS, PHOTOS, ETC.

Wilson. Everett B. Maryland's Colonial Manaiona and other Early Hoaitea, 1965 -page 223

Interior Exterior

7. PHOTOGRAPH

9. NAME, ADDRESS AND TITLE OF RECORDER

Michael o. Bourne M.lryland Hietoricel Trust

DA TE OF RECORD March 13, 1968

CH - 7 St. lgnatiua Church Charlea County

Page 2

There is a balcony around three sidea supported by Oorio style oolunana. There are t"° steirC4t••• in the .,..t corner.

The Knight• of Columbua marker reads:

• St. lgnetiu• Catholic Church

St. Thomas Menor Ch.pet Point, Maryl4nd

Detin9 fro• 1662. The oldoat continuously active perish in the United State• founded 1641 by Father Andrew White s. J. who na-d Chapel Point. Present Church bui It in 1798. St. ThCHtOe tilenor hae been • Jeauit Residence since it• erection in 1741.

Archbiahop Neale Council 1

Knight• of ColUlllbua Ho.2279 St. T•OllO• ~nor General Aaaellbl)' Fourth Degree knights of Columbue

•

NPS Form 1CMOO-tl (NS)

United States Department of the Interior _ _National Park Service

~ational Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet

Section number __ 7 _ Page __ 5_ St. Thomas Manor Charles County, Maryland

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RESOURCE SKETCH MAP, 1988

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See Continuation Sheet No. 7/6

Roman Catholic Ch.

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