St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church (St. Inigoes, Maryland)

St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church is a historic Jesuit parish church located in St. Inigoes, Maryland, United States. It is considered the mother church of Roman Catholicism in English-speaking America, having been established in 1634, shortly after the arrival of the first European settlers in Maryland.

The church's history is deeply intertwined with the early colonization of Maryland and the efforts to establish religious tolerance in the New World. The Jesuits played a significant role in the early development of the colony, and St. Ignatius served as a center for their missionary work among the indigenous populations and the European settlers.

The current church building, a brick structure in the Georgian style, dates back to the late 18th century and was completed in 1787, replacing earlier, smaller church structures on the same site. The interior of the church is notable for its historic artwork and furnishings, including a high altar and stained-glass windows.

St. Ignatius Church continues to serve as an active Roman Catholic parish and is a popular destination for pilgrims and those interested in the history of Catholicism in America. The church and its surrounding grounds, including a historic cemetery, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of early colonial Maryland.