Rachel Evans
Maryland, named after England's Catholic queen Henrietta Maria, was founded in 1634 as a haven for Catholics. However, over time, the religious demographics of the state have shifted. While Catholicism is still a significant presence in the state, it is worth examining how the percentage of Catholic residents has changed and what factors have influenced these shifts. Maryland's religious landscape has been shaped by historical events, immigration, and social dynamics, contributing to the state's diverse and evolving religious character.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of the first Catholic mass | 1634 |
| Total population in 1906 | 1,275,434 |
| Percentage of church-members in 1906 | 37.1% |
| Percentage of Protestants in 1906 | 23.7% |
| Percentage of Catholics in 1906 | 13.1% |
| Percentage of other religions in 1906 | 0.3% |
| Percentage of non-church members in 1906 | 62.9% |
| Number of church organizations in 1908 | 401 |
| Number of Catholics in 1908 | 166,941 |
| Number of church edifices reported in 1908 | 2814 |
| Seating capacity of the churches in 1908 | 810,701 |
| Valuation of the churches in 1908 | $23,765,172 |
| Population after the Revolution | 319,700 |
| Number of Catholics after the Revolution | 15,000 |
| Current number of Catholics | 800,000 |
| Current percentage of Catholics | 15% or 20% |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Maryland was founded as a Catholic colony
Maryland, one of the original thirteen English colonies, was founded as a Catholic colony in 1634. The colony was established by Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, and the first Proprietary of Maryland. The charter for the colony was issued to him by Charles I of England on June 20, 1632. This charter was originally intended for George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore and father of Cecilius, who had a long-cherished scheme of English Catholic colonization in the Western Hemisphere. However, due to his untimely death in April 1632, the charter was passed on to his son.
The colony of Maryland was named after Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I. It was also known as a Catholic haven, attracting the most Catholics out of all the thirteen colonies. This was due in part to the Act of Tolerance, also known as "An Act Concerning Religion," passed in 1649, which protected Catholics and others from rising Puritan hostility in the colony and in England. The Act inspired the growth of religious freedom, making Maryland a desirable place for those seeking religious tolerance.
The founding of the Maryland colony was not without opposition, particularly from the Virginia Company and the Puritans. Despite this, the expedition, led by Leonard Calvert as governor, sailed from Gravesend on the Ark and the Dove with 128 persons aboard. Approximately 72 others joined the expedition before the vessels departed from Cowes on the Isle of Wight on November 22, 1633. It is believed that many, if not most, of those who boarded at Cowes were Catholics, as the oath administered contained material objectionable to the faith.
The first Mass in the Maryland colony was celebrated by Jesuit Father Andrew White on March 25, 1634, on the island of St. Clement's. This event marked the beginning of the Catholic Church's presence in the colony and the region. Over time, Maryland became a center of Catholic history and culture, with notable figures such as Charles Carroll and his family playing a significant role in preserving and promoting the Catholic faith in the state.
In terms of demographics, the state census of 1906 reported a total population of 1,275,434 in Maryland. Of this total, 37.1 percent claimed to be church members, with 23.7 percent Protestants, 13.1 percent Catholics, and 0.3 percent other denominations. However, it is important to note that the government's method of computation may have resulted in a lower count of Catholics, as their actual number may have been up to 15 percent higher.
Funeral Flowers: Catholic Customs and Traditions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$28.49 $36
Catholicism is the second-largest religion in Maryland
Maryland was founded as a Catholic colony, a haven for Catholics, and was named after England's Catholic queen Henrietta Maria. The colony was granted to Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, in 1632, by King Charles I of England. Cecilius was the son of George Calvert, who had intended the charter for himself but died before it was issued. George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, was a Catholic convert who sought to provide religious refuge for Catholics who were persecuted in England.
Despite its founding as a Catholic colony, Maryland offered protection to Puritans and others who were not welcome in Virginia, which had a state religion. As a result, the number of Protestants in Maryland grew, and by 1645, Catholics in the colony were under attack by Puritan refugees from Virginia, led by Richard Ingle. Ingle terrorized Calvert's colonists, and the governor fled to Virginia. In 1649, an act called "An Act Concerning Religion" was passed to protect Catholics and others from Puritan hostility.
However, political changes in England led to the Protestants outnumbering Catholics in Maryland about ten years later, and the toleration act was repealed. Catholicism was then outlawed to varying degrees until the American Revolution.
According to the 1906 census, 13.1% of Maryland's population was Catholic. A 2014 study by the Pew Research Center found that 15% of Maryland's population identified as Catholic, making it the second-largest religious affiliation in the state after Protestantism. A more recent estimate places the number of Catholics in Maryland at 800,000, constituting about 20% of the state's population.
France's Catholic History: 18th Century Religious Landscape
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Maryland has one of the highest percentages of LGBT people
Maryland has a history of progressive legislation and policies that protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals. In 1999, the state's anti-sodomy laws were ruled unconstitutional and officially repealed in 2023. Since 2001, Maryland has had statewide protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, and since 2014, gender identity has also been included in these protections. Same-sex marriage was legalized in Maryland following a voter referendum in 2012, marking the first time marriage rights were extended to same-sex couples by popular vote in the United States.
The state has continued to pass inclusive legislation, such as the ban on conversion therapy for minors in 2018, and the establishment of an LGBTIQ+ bill of rights in Montgomery County in 2020. In 2022, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill to include sexual orientation and gender identity-inclusive policies within all public schools in the state, demonstrating its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students.
Maryland's LGBTQ community has a strong presence and support network, with organizations like the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) working to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all. The state's progressive policies and inclusive culture have likely contributed to attracting and retaining a significant LGBTQ population, making Maryland one of the most LGBTQ-friendly states in the nation.
The Path to Becoming a Catholic Monk: Time Commitment
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Maryland's most populous city is Baltimore
Maryland is one of the original 13 English colonies that became states of the American Union after the Revolution of 1776. The state has a total area of 13,327 square miles, of which 3386 square miles are water. In 1906, the total population of Maryland was 1,275,434, of which 37.1% were church-goers, including 23.7% Protestants, 13.1% Catholics, and 0.3% others.
Baltimore, Maryland's largest city, is an independent city with a population of 553,293 as of 2025. Baltimore has seen steady population growth, increasing by 9% during the census decade of 1900-1910 and reaching 558,485 inhabitants in 1910.
Baltimore operates as a separate jurisdiction from the surrounding counties, with a mayor-council form of government. The mayor holds executive authority over departments such as public works, housing, and economic development, while the city council sets policies and budgets. This unique structure allows Baltimore to manage its services independently, without county intervention.
Baltimore's growth has been fuelled by industries such as steel, shipbuilding, and aircraft manufacturing. The expansion of the federal government in neighbouring Washington, DC, has also contributed to Baltimore's population increase, making the combined Baltimore-Washington corridor one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Improved transportation and communication facilities have integrated Maryland's scattered areas, further enhancing Baltimore's prominence in the state.
Baltimore's history as a Catholic colony dates back to the 17th century when it was established by Cecilius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. Despite opposition from the Virginia Company and Puritans, Calvert's expedition in 1632 aimed to create an English Catholic colony in the Western Hemisphere. This religious tension continued, with incidents such as the attack on Calvert's colonists by Richard Ingle in 1645 and the enactment of the Toleration Act of 1649 to protect Catholics from rising Puritan hostility.
Jesuits: Catholicism's Most Powerful and Influential Order?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Maryland is one of the original 13 colonies
One of the defining characteristics of Maryland is its Catholic heritage. The colony was intended to be a haven for English Catholics, who faced persecution in Britain during the 17th century. The Calverts, a prominent Catholic family, envisioned Maryland as a place where Catholics and Protestants could coexist peacefully, an idea that was ahead of its time. This religious tolerance, however, would waiver over the years, with periods of tension and conflict between the two groups.
The establishment of Maryland as a proprietary colony also sets it apart. The Calvert family had been granted a charter by King Charles I, allowing them to govern the colony as a proprietary entity, with the Calvert family as the proprietary owners. This meant that Maryland had a degree of autonomy and self-governance not seen in other colonies, and it developed its own unique political and social structures.
The colony also played a significant role in the lead-up to the American Revolution. Maryland was an active participant in the resistance to British rule, with its delegates signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the state later became one of the original signatories of the United States Constitution in 1781. The ideas of freedom of religion and self-governance, which had taken root in Maryland during its early years, would become key tenets of the new nation.
The influence of Maryland's Catholic heritage can still be seen today. While the state now has a diverse religious landscape, with a range of faiths practiced, its Catholic roots are still evident. The state is home to a number of historic Catholic churches and institutions, and the Catholic population continues to play an active role in the state's cultural and social life.
In conclusion, Maryland's status as one of the original 13 colonies is significant, with the state playing a pivotal role in the nation's early history. Its founding as a haven for religious tolerance, its proprietary status, and its active participation in the road to independence all contribute to Maryland's unique place in the story of the United States. The state's Catholic heritage, in particular, is a key element of its identity, shaping its past and continuing to influence its present.
Angela Lansbury: Her Catholic Faith and Beliefs
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, 15% of Maryland's population is Catholic.
As of 2022, there are about 800,000 Catholics in Maryland.
Maryland ranks in the middle of the states in terms of Catholic population.
Maryland was founded as a Catholic colony in 1634 to provide a religious haven for Catholics persecuted in England. However, due to infighting between Catholic and Protestant groups, it lost its status as a Catholic colony.
Maryland's population is predominantly Christian, with Protestantism and Catholicism being the most common denominations. Judaism is the largest non-Christian religion, comprising 4% of the population.
