OUR MISSION AND HISTORY

Saint Mary's Mission

Building an authentic, vibrant, Christ-centered community as we:

  • Celebrate the goodness of God and Creation,

  • Honor the presence of Christ in one another, and

  • Serve the world in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our Four Growth Directions

  • Children and a person at a religious gathering, holding a blue book with a cross symbol, possibly during a ceremony or service.

    Grow our Engagement with Children and Youth

    Nurturing the faith of the next generation

  • Three people outdoors by a lake, wearing jackets and hats, holding a rake and garbage bags, with trees and cloudy sky in the background.

    Grow our Intentional Opportunities for Deeper Connection with God and One Another

    Strengthening relationships through worship, study, and fellowship

  • Two hands clasped in a comforting gesture, one hand gently covering the other.

    Grow in Compassionate Care for Those Who Are Struggling

    Extending love and support to those in need

  • Two women smiling and holding a decorated can, surrounded by craft materials and canned goods on a table.

    Grow in Welcoming Those Who Are Seeking God

    Creating a warm and inclusive environment for all

Our Heritage

As a parish of The Episcopal Church, we are part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which includes approximately 85 million people in 165 nations. Our unity is rooted in the shared heritage of the Church of England, with spiritual oversight from the Archbishop of Canterbury since 597 BCE.

The Episcopal Church is the American member of the Anglican Communion. After the Revolutionary War, the church was renamed “Episcopal” to signify continuity with ancient Anglican traditions while declaring our allegiance to the new United States. The first American Bishop was consecrated in 1784 and the church began with a General Convention in Philadelphia in 1785.

People exiting a stone church on a snowy day, surrounded by snow-covered trees and buildings.

Our History

A Legacy Rooted in Faith

In 1889, our story began with Alida Greely Brown, a young girl from Portland, Maine. After her untimely death at age 18, her parents, General John Marshall Brown and Alida Carroll Brown, erected a private memorial chapel on their Falmouth estate in her honor. They named it the Memorial Chapel of Saint Mary the Virgin, inspired by the Norman Church of Saint Mary’s in Iffley, Oxfordshire, England.

The Evolution of Saint Mary’s

White empty background

  • 1889: The chapel was built, consisting of what is now the sacristy and chancel.

  • 1902: The central Norman tower was added in memory of General Brown’s parents and daughter.

  • 1915: The Rectory was completed, funded by Mrs. Brown’s will.

  • 1927: Saint Mary’s was organized and admitted as a Parish within the Diocese of Maine.

  • 1949: The Nave was built, seating 150–180 people, with stained glass and furnishings chosen to inspire worship and meditation.

  • 1979: The Cassavant tracker organ was donated by General Brown’s grandson.

  • 2012–2013: The Legacy Project renovated and expanded our campus to ensure safety, accessibility, and sustainability for future generations.

Honoring Our Faith: Enriching Our Community

Generations of parishioners have dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to preserve and enhance Saint Mary’s. The $3 million Legacy Project (2012–2013) addressed critical needs in our Church, Rectory, Parish House, and grounds, ensuring that our spaces remain safe, efficient, and welcoming for all.

Today, Saint Mary’s continues to be a vibrant center of worship, fellowship, and outreach, honoring the vision of our founders while embracing the future with hope and faith.

Stone Episcopal church with tower and arched door, sign reading 'The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary' with service times Sundays 8 & 9:30 am.
A wedding ceremony taking place in a church with stained glass windows, an altar, and decorated with flowers. The bride and groom are standing with a priest, surrounded by bridesmaids, groomsmen, and seated guests.
Interior of a simple chapel with wooden chairs arranged in rows, a central altar, large windows, and a decorative rug, featuring a cross on the wall behind the altar.
Interior of a church with a congregation seated, viewing the altar and stained glass windows, during a service or ceremony.