St. Francis Xavier Church and Newtown Manor House Historic District, Historic district in Compton, Maryland, United States.
This district is a historic preservation area containing a wooden church with octagonal brick additions and a separate manor house on the grounds. The complex displays different architectural styles that developed over the course of centuries.
The original chapel was established in 1662, but the current church building arose in 1731 as a replacement for the older structure. The site played an important role for the Catholic community during a time when religious practices faced serious restrictions in the region.
The church holds religious artworks and crafted details spanning different eras that show how the Catholic community has worshipped and celebrated here for centuries. Visitors can see beautiful woodwork and the 1910 altar painting that reflect the devotion of the people who gathered in this space.
The grounds sit on a peninsula and are reached via Newtowne Neck Road, making a car advisable for visiting. Checking ahead before arrival is wise, since accessibility may vary depending on the day and season.
The church building is the oldest operating Catholic church facility continuously in use and dating from one of the original colonies. This continuity across more than three centuries is rare and makes the site particularly meaningful for visitors interested in early American history.
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