Nestled in the heart of downtown Jackson, Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church has been bringing glory to God through its beauty for 100 years, writes Kathryn Mietelka. May 31, 2026, marks the 100th anniversary of its founding.
“It’s the most beautiful church I’ve ever been in,” 94-year-old parishioner Margaret McGuire explains. “I’ve been to Rome, and I’ve been to Paris. I’ve been everywhere! But this church is the most beautiful.”
Completed in 1926 after three years of construction, the current church replaced an earlier, smaller church. With three spires, it stands 180 feet tall at its highest point. Adorned with recently refurbished stained glass on every side, giant arches, murals of the apostles, and an original altar rail, the church has two side altars as well as a marble high altar. A mosaic of Our Lady Star of the Sea adorns the apse.
McGuire, who moved to Jackson in 1970, has worshiped in the same pew on the front left side of Saint Mary’s ever since. The church has become home to her, McGuire explains, especially as her eight children have moved away. And she’s not the only one who calls the church home.
Mary Malewitz, for example, has been a parishioner her entire life and a music teacher at the school for 29 years. She currently serves as the director of music and liturgy for the parish. “This was my mom’s church,” she explains, noting that her mom would tell stories of the church being built and the Stations of the Cross being hung when she was a little girl. “I think my mom’s was the first class to receive Communion here. My parents were married here. All six of us kids were baptized here; we received our sacraments here. Saint Mary’s is home.”
Both Malewitz and McGuire insist that the location and beauty of Saint Mary’s are crucial tools for the evangelization of Jackson.
“It’s an inner-city church, so people have the opportunity to get to Mass who otherwise wouldn’t. Downtown is the perfect place for Saint Mary’s,” McGuire says.
“We have people from all walks of life who come to worship here, including people who are unchurched,” Malewitz adds. “That’s the real advantage of being in the center of downtown: people walk in who have never been in a church before. People are awed by the beauty of it.”
But as magnificent as it is, Saint Mary Star of the Sea is more than just a beautiful church, says Father Tim Nelson, pastor for the last 15 years.
“I don’t want this church to be a fossilized relic,” Father Nelson says. “It’s a breathing, living, dynamic, vital player of the present, which is enriched and ennobled by the past.”
Currently comprising 1,086 families, the parish includes the thriving Sacred Heart of Jesus Hispanic Community, fosters devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, provides outreach to the homeless, and spreads the Gospel through the elementary school, which is the most ethnically and socio-economically diverse parochial school in Jackson, Father Nelson adds.
For Father Nelson, the school stands out as a key element of the success of Saint Mary parish, both past and present. “The school is a principal means of evangelization and is necessary for the life of the parish,” Father Nelson says, noting that without it he fears the parish would begin to decline.
Founded in 1889, the school actually pre-dates the present church building. With a current enrollment of 94 students, the school has been in continuous operation for the past 136 years, bringing continuity from the past to the present day.
“This church is a beautiful tribute to God and his glory,” Malewitz explains, with emotion. “He’s given us everything, and beauty is just one small way we can give back to him. I hope Saint Mary’s will stand the test of time for another 100 years and that future generations will cherish it like we have.”
* Bishop Earl Boyea will offer Holy Mass at Saint Mary Star of the Sea at the 10am on Sunday, May 31, 2026, to mark the centenary of the parish church. All are very welcome.
* Photographs by Kathryn Mietelka.
