A Newport building slated for condominiums may have housed the oldest Catholic Church in Rhode Island, says the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission.

Preservationists presented their evidence at a conference April 23, indicating that the building began as a school in 1808-09. Ten years later, the property was purchased to start St. Mary’s Parish.

Sometime after, the building was moved to Sherman Street. The building is being converted to condominiums. Preservationists said the building’s significant architectural features would be protected in the transformationl.