Our Lady of Perpetual Help marks 50 years

Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater is celebrating 50 years since it was officially established as a parish in 1976. Originally led by Redemptorists, the parish transitioned to leadership by archdiocesan priests in 1996.

The parish is now part of the Pastorate of Our Lady, which it joined with Our Lady of Sorrows in West River in 2018. Father Michael Triplett, who has served as pastor for two years, noted that between three weekend Masses, approximately 450 to 500 people attend. The church also celebrates a weekend Mass in Spanish to serve its growing Hispanic community.

The community's history dates back to 1939 when it functioned as a mission church for St. Mary in Annapolis. After celebrating Mass at various locations including Cape St. Rose and local restaurants, the parish opened its first church building in 1952 in Woodland Beach. It celebrated its first Mass at its current location on Easter Sunday in 1980. Today, the parish operates a weekly food pantry and maintains a Respect Life committee.