St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Church

4th St. between Spruce and Walnut Sts.

St. Mary's was the first Catholic cathedral in Philadelphia. George Washington and John Adams both visited the congregation. The Catholics of Philadelphia were an important part of the Revolutionary War. Both British and American forces wanted the Catholics to join their side, so much so that when the British invaded Philadelphia, they left the Catholic churches untouched. But it was Washington's visits that is to thank for the Catholics taking the American side during the War.

John Barry is buried at St. Mary's Burying Ground. Barry is one of the men that is believed to be the father of the American Navy. Some historian believe it was Barry, while other believe John Paul Jones was the real founder of the Navy.

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