Our Lady of Perpetual Help marks 50 years

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater is celebrating 50 years since its official establishment as a parish in 1976. Originally founded under Redemptorist leadership, the parish transitioned to being led by archdiocesan priests in 1996.

The community's history began in 1939 as a mission church of St. Mary in Annapolis. Following several years of celebrating Mass at various locations, including Cape St. Rose and local restaurants, the first church building opened in 1952 in Woodland Beach. The parish celebrated its first Mass at its current location on Easter Sunday in 1980.

Now part of the Pastorate of Our Lady alongside Our Lady of Sorrows in West River, the parish serves between 450 and 500 people across three weekend Masses. Pastor Michael Triplett noted that the church also celebrates a weekend Mass in Spanish to serve the growing Hispanic community. The parish operates a weekly food pantry and maintains a Respect Life committee.