GOLDEN HILL — The celebration of 250 years of continuous worship at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Golden Hill continued with unexpected honors.

On Oct. 26, at the 10th Annual Heritage Awards Event at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, the Star of the Sea Golden Hill Foundation received the Heritage Award for Historic Preservation Stewardship. It was one of five awards conveyed by Dorchester County Tourism Director Amanda Fenstermaker. Heritage Award Committee member Mayor Caroline Cline of East New Market, presented the award.

Honors continued on Nov. 4, when Citations and Resolutions were presented to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church by the Maryland Legislative Delegation Members State Senator Addie Eckardt, and Delegates Johnny Mautz and Chris Adams. They brought official greetings from the Governor, the Senate of Maryland, and the Maryland General Assembly, all honoring the 250th Anniversary Celebration and the positive and lasting contributions that the church has made to its community and to Maryland.

Along with the crystal plaque awarded, members of the Maryland Legislative Delegation were present to award citations from U.S. and MD Legislators recognizing the event. The Star of the Sea Golden Hill Foundation was founded in 1999 for the purpose of supporting the historic Mission Church, Chapel, and Cemetery in Golden Hill. The award was accepted by Judy Holland, secretary/ treasurer, Tom Bosley, president, and Sara Applegarth, founder and past president of the Foundation.

The presentation took place at the restored, historic Tubman Chapel which was the original structure in use when St. Mary Star of the Sea was established 250 years ago. The churches are on Rt. 335, at 917 Hoopers Island Road, Dorchester County. Mass is celebrated at 4 p.m. on Saturdays. All are welcome.

St. Mary Star of the Sea, is the mother church of the other two Catholic churches in Dorchester County. These include St. Mary Refuge of Sinners Church in Cambridge of which it is now a part, and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Secretary. Fr. Stephen Lonek is pastor of the three churches.