ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage Tour took place on May 31 in the vicinity of Historic St. Mary’s City, St. Inigoes, Ridge and Dameron, marking another successful year of heritage and community support. The event was hosted by the St. Mary’s County Garden Club.
The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage is a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of Maryland’s cultural and historically significant properties and landscapes. It started as a committee of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland and later became its own organization. Pilgrimages take place all over the state.
This highly immersive driving tour offers a chance to see the area’s significant places of shared history and learn about the ways we’re all connected through the environment we share. The event fosters a deep respect for history and community by allowing participants to be present where history occurred. Over the years, the MHGP has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars directly to over 150 properties to aid in their long-term preservation. The event is a great opportunity to build connections and see tangible impacts for people who donate and sponsor.
Each year, the St. Mary’s Garden Club donates the proceeds of the tour to a charity or organization as their “Special Project.” Planning the event and coordinating donation efforts is a massive effort, and St. Mary’s Garden Club President Lydia “Beth” Bonifant emphasized that garden clubs can be so much more than social gatherings. They’re a chance to connect, respect our culture and contribute in real ways to the community.
“We have so many programs we do,” Bonifant said. “We have guest speakers at our meetings, yes, but it’s not just about learning to garden. We’re also planning events and shows, and we do a scholarship each year.” She says the group just gave $4,000 to two St. Mary’s County high school seniors getting ready to go to college.
Bonifant also shared that this year’s special project was extra special: St. Mary’s Garden Club member Loretta “Tiny” Taylor is turning 100, and the donations went to The Society for Preservation of St. Ignatius, an organization of which Taylor is also a founding member. The society was founded in 1952.
Taylor was the youngest in a large family and has been an active member of the community her whole life. In addition to numerous other achievements, Taylor still participates in the annual flower show and won three ribbons last year.
The existing St. Ignatius Church was constructed in 1785. It is named after the patron saint for those who journeyed across the Atlantic and the founder of the Jesuit Society, St. Ignatius of Loyola. Regular services were conducted at the St. Ignatius Church from 1786 to 1930, until the development of infrastructure in St. Mary’s County led to the construction of new churches with easier access on main roads.
The Villa Farm property, with the exception of the 8.35 acres surrounding the church, was acquired by the United States Navy in 1942, at the onset of World War II. Following this acquisition, the church experienced a further reduction of use, which led to neglect and gradual deterioration of the building’s structure.
By the early 1950s, however, concern from the community over the church’s declining state prompted the formation of a dedicated local support group. The group has been looking out for St. Ignatius ever since. Ongoing and future projects include painting, roofing and HVAC installation.
Bonifant says the garden club is looking forward to next year’s pilgrimage. But in the meantime, they’re planning a 100th birthday celebration at their garden club meeting next month.
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Congratulations for supporting the preservation of so many historical treasures of the beautiful St. Marys county we love.