History of St. Mary's Church

1748: The first Anglican "Chapel" established on the banks of the Neuse River by the Church of England as a mission of Christ Church, New Bern, NC.

1832: The first record of "St. Mary's" in Kinston. The church met at the corner of Queen and Caswell Streets.

1846: St. Mary's "was admitted into union with the Diocesan Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church."

1873: The first church building destroyed by fire.

1875: Members met at the courthouse until property with an existing church was purchased on the corner of Independence and King Streets.

1900: The second church building destroyed by fire. Members return to the courthouse for worship.

1907: New brick building built was completed on the same site.

1948: Property purchased at the corner of Rhem and Rountree Streets for a new church site.  This is the current location of St. Mary's Church.

1957: Ground breaking ceremonies conducted on September 15.

1959: Easter Sunday celebration was the first service held in the present church.

1959: Construction began on the rectory located across the street from the church.

1959: All Saints' Chapel was added.

1974: St. Mary's Nursery School opens.

1983: St. Francis Garden designated as a place to bury ashes.

1990: Major renovation modernized and revitalized the entire physical plant.

1997: A 30-space parking lot was added on Rhem Street.

2005: Creation of the "Outdoor Chapel."