Imagine Irish stonemasons shaping the very foundations of Washington D.C. That is how the story of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church begins. Founded in 1794, Saint Patrick’s is the oldest Catholic parish in the city.
Irish immigrants building the White House and U.S. Capitol needed a place to worship. Dominican priest Anthony Caffry, newly arrived from Ireland, stepped up to help. Bishop John Carroll tasked him with establishing the first Roman Catholic parish in Washington. Architect James Hoban, also Irish and designer of the White House, influenced Caffry’s decision. He highlighted the needs of the Irish stone workers.
Initially, Father Caffry celebrated Mass in rented spaces. Soon, he built a modest wood-frame church. Funds were meager but the community was strong. In 1804, Caffry moved to New York. William Matthews then took over. He constructed a new, larger church on the same site. The brick, Gothic Revival church was completed in 1816. Archbishop John Carroll consecrated it with Bishop Leonard Neale assisting.
During the War of 1812, British troops invaded Washington. Fire spread to the roof of Saint Patrick’s Church. William Matthews barricaded himself and others inside. He extinguished the fire and persuaded General Robert Ross not to destroy Saint Patrick’s.
William Matthews founded St. Vincent’s Female Orphan Asylum in 1825. He brought the Daughters of Charity to run it. Matthews served as pastor from 1804 until his death in 1854.
Rev. Timothy O’Toole, an Irish immigrant, became pastor in 1854. He founded the Father Mathew Total Abstinence Society. O’Toole also established a parochial school and St. Joseph’s Orphan Asylum for Boys. Jacob Ambrose Walter followed O’Toole. He oversaw the laying of the cornerstone for a new church in 1872. The first Mass in the new church was held in 1884 and it was dedicated later that year.
Saint Patrick’s Church is a contributing property to the Downtown Historic District. Radical renovations in 1994 led to the removal of the original high altar and other features. The National Park Service considered action due to these changes.
Pope Francis visited Saint Patrick’s Church on September 24, 2015. This visit occurred during his tour of the United States.
The Blue Mass dates back to 1934. Rev. Thomas Dade started it for the Catholic Police and Fireman’s Society. His brother was a policeman in Baltimore. Rev. Dade noticed the absence of such an association in Washington, D.C. He successfully lobbied for its creation. The Blue Mass is now a nationwide celebration. It coincides with Michaelmas. This is the feast of Saint Michael, the patron saint of police officers and military personnel.
Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and community. It has served Washington D.C. for over two centuries. Its history is intertwined with that of the city. It is a place where all are welcome. A place where faith and service meet.