The church is a remnant of the Hamilton Village[2] neighborhood that existed in West Philadelphia prior to being subsumed by the University.

[2] Founded in the early 19th century to serve as a summer congregation for Philadelphians who were vacationing west of the Schuylkill River, it soon had year-round services.

[citation needed] During the mid-19th century the parish became a focal point for the Anglo-Catholic movement, which the Rector and congregation supported.

[citation needed] St. Mary's played a leading role in supporting African-American civil rights, the anti-war movement of the Vietnam era, women's ordination within the Episcopal Church, and the lesbian/gay community's quest for full acceptance.

[citation needed] The church houses St. Mary's Nursery School and formerly hosted Neighborhood Bike Works and the Bearded Ladies Cabaret.