For those of you who have attended a Nats game - have you ever noticed that the first catholic church built in DC was located about 20 yards behind 2nd base or that there might be skeletons in the outfield? Probably not? Well then here is the story of Barry's Chapel:
On what used to be the corner of O St SE and Half St which is currently just behind second base of Nationals Stadium used to be St Mary’s Chapel. St. Mary's, or ‘Barry's Chapel’ as it was generally called, was built by a merchant named James Barry, in 1806, as a tribute to the death of his daughter. Father Plunkett at that time presided over mass. Mr. Barry’s only daughter and two sisters were buried there but were moved to St Peter's on Capitol Hill and then eventually (most likely) to Mt Olivet Cemetery (need to visit the cemetery and confirm that one). There is no record on when the chapel was demolished but its location was referenced in a "tour guide" in the mid 1800. Of interest is the corner corner stone of Barry's Chapel. The corner-stone was saved and is now inserted in the inner wall of Church of St. Dominic (7th St and E St SW)*. Check it out next time the church is open - its on the south side of the church near the handicap entrance facing the freeway.
*Just because you find something on the internet or Library of Congress or a book doesn't mean it really exists until you go and check it out for yourself but there it is -- plain as day.
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