Maryland Governor Larry H. Hogan, left, shakes hands with Bishop Martin Holley at St. Ignatius Church in Port Tobacco Sunday, Feb. 28. The church celebrates its 375th anniversary this year.

La Plata, MD – For St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Port Tobacco, Sunday, Feb. 28 was a special day. Not only were they celebrating 375 years of Charles County history, but received special recognition from Maryland Governor Larry H. Hogan, who was in the midst of a three-day tour of Southern Maryland.

“How blessed are the people of this parish,” said Bishop Martin Holley. “We all deserve to live life where we can make a positive contribution. Mercy and compassion is something we need to be constantly reminded of.”

St. Ignatius has its roots in Maryland’s beginnings. Jesuit Father Andrew White founded a mission there in 1641 and spent four years living among the Piscataway until he was hauled back to England in chains by the pirate Richard Ingle in 1645.

Although he was never to see his beloved Maryland again, his parish has endured for more than three and a half centuries.

“St. Ignatius is a cherished landmark in the state of Maryland,” Hogan said. “In 1641, Father Andrew White sailed on the Ark and the Dove to help found an English colony.

“He created a mission at Port Tobacco,” he added. “That make St. Ignatius the oldest Catholic church of English origin in continuous service in the United States.

“Throughout the years, this church has served as a living monument,” he added, “and has had a profound influence on religious freedom in Maryland.”

The governor thanked the congregation for welcoming him to their parish.

“We had a wonderful few days in Southern Maryland,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to start my Sunday than to be here at church with you.”

The governor followed his presentation at the church with a tour of historic Port Tobacco, and was met by citizens of the community and Charles County Commissioner President Peter Murphy, Commissioner Ken Robinson [District 1] and Commissioner Amanda Stewart [District 3].

The governor took a tour of the historic court house and heard of plans to further archaeological studies at the town this summer.

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com