Age, lack of maintenance, and vacancy are taking their toll on this structure, however, and it is now in great need of repair.
“Since the incorporation of the St. Mary’s County Historical Society in 1952, our various boards of directors and members have worked diligently toward saving Newtowne Manor House,” explains Susan Wolfe, executive director of the St. Mary’s County Historical Society, who nominated the site.
Members have submitted letters to the Maryland Historical Trust, the Archdiocese of Washington, St. Mary’s County Government, and other interested parties about the necessity of protecting not only St. Francis Xavier Parish Church, but also the manor house.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this home to Jesuits from 1721 through the 20th century has served not only the congregation, but also the community at large, according to Wolfe. The house’s architecture is true to the period in which it was built, and it has withstood the changes brought by progress. History is so entwined with this house that it would be tragic to permit it to fall into decay, she adds.
In 2009, as part of a larger land sale in southern Maryland, the Society of Jesus sold over 770 acres beyond the church and manor house to the state, with the proviso that the land be developed as a state park.
As future visitors approach this beautiful park and turn the bend on Newtowne Neck Road, they will see the historic church district surrounded by water on both sides. They will pass by historic St. Francis Church, with its unusual octagon shape, to visit the oldest Catholic church in Maryland.However, the manor house, in its current state, will cause visitors to wonder why similar preservation efforts haven’t taken place on its behalf.
Father John Mattingly, the caretaker of the property owned by the archdiocese, is thrilled to see the property get attention.
“The parishioners are very enthused about the possibility of preserving this property. It is Maryland history!” exclaims Mattingly, who has been at St. Francis since 1992. “St. Clements Island, St. Mary’s City, and our place—it’s our history. That building is where the Jesuits moved in time to go on their missions not just in Maryland, but throughout. It was their home and it must be preserved—and preserved right.”
For more information, visit www.stmaryshistory.org.
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