St. Ignatius in Chapel Point
St. Ignatius in Chapel Point Port Tobacco, MD
Client:
St. Ignatius Church, Chapel Point
Corporation of Roman Catholic Clergymen
Project partners:
Atelier Giguere Architects, Contracting Specialists, Inc. (CSI), Washington Art Glass Studio, Maryland Historical Trust
Features
- 4-story
- Oldest Roman Catholic Parish in the US
- Historic
- Religious Structures
A Timeless Treasure
Nestled in the heart of Port Tobacco, Maryland, St. Ignatius Church is more than just a place of worship; it’s a living, breathing piece of history. Founded in 1741, it’s the oldest continuously operating Catholic parish in the entire United States – a title that carries a lot of weight.
This historic gem is a patchwork quilt of buildings stitched together over centuries. The original chapel, built way back in 1642, was a standalone Anglican-style structure. Then came the Manor House, a grand Georgian mansion erected in 1741. The church itself was added around 1798. But wait, there’s more! A devastating fire in 1866 nearly wiped out the Manor House and damaged the church. Thankfully, it was rebuilt and expanded over the next few years, with decorative plasterwork and a towering steeple added for good measure.
Fast forward to the present day. Centuries of wear and tear had taken a toll on this beloved landmark. Bricks were crumbling, mortar was failing, and the once-proud building was showing distress. That’s when we, the BECS team, dove headfirst into the building’s history, uncovering a treasure trove of investigations, forensic testing, construction secrets, and hidden problems.
The church was a puzzle waiting to be solved. We carefully pieced together the clues, from spalling brick, decaying wood, limestone deterioration, and its waterfront location, we created an outline for revival. But restoring a historic building is like performing delicate surgery. Every decision had to be made with respect for the past, while ensuring the building’s future.
To fortify the structure, we transitioned from building engineers to structural engineers, reinforcing walls, floors, and the iconic steeple. We also modernized the interior with updated lighting, electrical, and HVAC systems, enhancing comfort and functionality without compromising the building’s historic charm.
Given its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, St. Ignatius Church required meticulous care. In partnership with the Maryland Historical Trust, our team followed strict preservation guidelines, making sure every brick and beam was treated with reverence. This commitment to authenticity guaranteed the church’s legacy would endure.
To breathe new life into the chapel’s interior, we modernized lighting, electricity, and climate control, creating a comfortable and functional space. We also embarked on a delicate restoration of the stained-glass windows, preserving their beauty for future generations.
The restoration of this beloved landmark has rejuvenated new life into its architectural greatness, preserving its legacy for generations to come.
