History of St Francis de Sales Catholic Church
Benedict was established in Charles County in 1883 as Benedict-Leonardtown. During this early period of the Maryland Colony, the Catholic Church was repressed in exercising expression of religion. Until the Revolution of 1776, priests were prohibited from saying Mass, preaching or building churches. The Jesuit Fathers tended to Charles County during this early period. Benedict was attended by the Jesuits from St. Thomas Manor at Chapel Point, probably continuing until 1861.
In 1882 Father Edward Southgate of St. Mary’s Bryantown, was appointed to minister to Benedict and Solomon’s Island as missions of St. Mary’s. There was not a church facility at this time; Mass was celebrated in the home of a Johnson family.
An archivist from the Archdiocese of Baltimore noted that Cardinal Gibbons’ papers indicate that “a new church, St. Francis de Sales, was dedicated in July 23, 1896”. St Francis de Sales continued as a mission parish until 1903.
In October, 1903, the Reverend John M. McNamara became the first pastor of Benedict-Solomons. The pastor commuted between the two parishes, first via boat, then automobile. It was not until 1920 that these two parishes were separated. At this same time, St. Dominic’s in Aquasco was identified as a mission of Benedict. This continued until 1975.
St. Francis de Sales Church was built on land donated by the Augustus Bowling family of Baltimore. The corner-stone of the small wooden structure was laid on July 16, 1896 by the Reverend John Boland. On August 27, 1918, the frame building was consumed by flames. Until a new church was built in 1924, the church hall was used for mass. At this time Benedict had membership of 53 families.
Under the leadership of Bishop Curtis, a new stucco church was built in 1924, dedicated on October 29, 1924 by Archbishop Curly. The original pews were donated by St. Philip and St. James Parish of Baltimore. The marble altar was donated by St. Matthews' Church, Washington, D.C. The marble statue of St. Francis de Sales was a gift of Mr. Sexton of Providence, Rhode Island.
In 1943 another disaster hit the parish when the rectory burned; all records were lost. Because of government restrictions on building materials during the war years, a new rectory was not completed until 1945. The rectory was blessed by Bishop McNamara on September 30, 1945.
The year 1978 marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the parish. A Mass of thanksgiving was held on September 10. The principal celebrant was His Eminence William Cardinal Baum, Archbishop of Washington and concelebrated by most of the then living pastors.
The 100th anniversary of the founding of the parish was in 2003, celebrated by a Mass and parish dinner.
Currently the pastor of St. Francis de Sales is Reverend Saverio Vitturrino who has served as pastor since 1994. “Father V.”, as he is known to many, has recently celebrated his 40th anniversary as a priest. With his leadership and spiritual direction, the parish established many committees and ministries that serve the needs of our community. There are currently 162 active families at St. Francis de Sales.
Written and compiled by Rosellen Houser
Note: Early history excerpted from “History of St. Francis de Sales Parish: by Rose Chappelear Houser, written in honor of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the parish.