The founder of St. Mary's Church of Christ was Elder Joseph McClaud.  It was first located in the Juniper Bay section (California) in the early 1870's. The first deacons were Ellis West and David Blount, Sr. The first deaconesses were Sister Freeman Blount and Sister Anne Moore. The first secretary was Brother Milton Johnson.
    As time moved on, the membership increased and another structure was built in Juniper Bay.  Later pastors were Elder John Spencer, Elder Frank Keys, and Elder Israel Jordan.  In August 1943 a new church was built and relocated at its present site on the Donnell Farm approximately four miles from Swan Quarter.  The church was relocated under the leadership of Elder G.R. Lovic and the deacons were Norwood Blount, Caho Farrow, and Israel Blount. Deaconesses were Mrs. Carolina Blount, Sallie McCuller and Orada Lucas.  Sister Emma Jones was secretary.  Some of the church records were destroyed in the relocation process.
    The present St. Mary's Church is under the leadership of Elder Booker T. Boomer, pastor. Deacons were David L. Blount, Jr. (deceased), Delma Topping, and Metrude Harris.  Deaconess was Sister Letha Selby (deceased).  Active deacons are Bennie Blount and Perlis Spencer.  Deaconesses are Orada Lucas, Meranda Blount and Rosa Mackey. The Trustee Board is made up of Brother John Merrick, chairman; Welson Merrick, James Blount and Norwood Lucas.  The secretary is Marjorie T. Selby.  Sister Bessie Murray is president of choirs and Sister Etta Greene is president of Pastor's Aid Club.  There are 65 active members and many inactive members in the church membership.
    The first assembly of the Washington-Norfolk Assembly was organized at St. Mary's Church 105 years ago.  This congregation has given to the world three ordained ministers: Elder Caho Farrow (deceased) of Swan  Quarter, Elder Seward E; Selby of Farmville, N.C. and Elder Dallas Lucas of New York.

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