Parish History

THE BUILDING

The building that parishioners have called "St. Mary's" for these past 100 years has had a face lifting - major and minor - over the years. Fire proved the chief villain in a total razing of the church building only eight years after its completion. Rebuilt in 1885, as attested to by the present cornerstone, it again burned to the ground, this time in 1891. The third attempt is basically what one sees as the exterior today. However, between 1922 and 1925, the building was expanded to accommodate the sacristy. It was dedicated in the latter year. An additional steeple was part of the building until lightning struck it in 1936. Deemed unsafe, the steeple was removed. In March, 1949, a five year old playing with matches started a fire that caused extensive damage to the left front corner of the building at the choir loft level and the front entry.

The interior of St. Mary's has undergone major and periodic face-liftings over the years. The most extensive, of course, is that of recent memory when it was remodeled in accordance with liturgical changes growing out of Vatican IL For nearly a year, "St. Mary's" to its parishioners was the weekly packed basement, a sacrifice those in attendance patiently accepted knowing that it made possible an up-to- date facility worthy of the new Mass.

What the future holds for the building that houses the Church of St. Mary is anyone's guess. One thing is certain - it will adjust - as its occupants will - to the changing needs of an ever vibrant institution, the Catholic Church.