Illustrated History of Saint Mary's Parish

Early 1840's and 1850's - The Catholic Society of Bath

The first Catholic settler in Bath is believed to have been Paynter Patten. He was followed by Charles Doucette, a Frenchman from Nova Scotia. As other Catholics arrived during the early 1840's, Mr. Doucette, known as a man of means and piety, invited them to his home at 46 Winter Street for services. By 1843 they numbered 18 and eventually were known as the Catholic Society of Bath. Father Edward Putnam, pastor of the "mother church" at North Whitefield, made monthly visits to the mission church at Bath and said Mass at the Doucette home. In 1847 Rev. James O'Reilly of Augusta listed Bath as one of his missions.

Fr. Putnam, continued to make regular visits to say Mass for the faithful. He stimulated plans for a church (according to a brief parish history written by Father Nicholas J. Horan, the visiting priest came to Bath to "conduct the meetings and agitate for a church building"), but construction costs were beyond the capabilities of the small group. Baptismal records in Damariscotta give family names of some early parishioners as: King (Roy), Odet (Audet), Bis (perhaps Bisson), Papen (Pepin), Ducett (Doucett), Marcou (Marcoux), Tereo (Theriault), St Peter (St. Pierre), Fortie (Fortier or Fortin), and Rodrigue.

In 1853 the Society leased the vacant Old South Church for weekly Mass. Owned by three well-known Protestant Bath businessmen, it was located on a double lot on High Street, between Union and Granite. Built around 1805, it stood on what was called the "Town Common," and in 1825 the town clock was placed in the church's tower.

Detail of contemporary painting of the burning of South Church, 1854. The town clock in the tower was destroyed. (Click on image for larger view)

On July 6, 1854, political agitators from the national party called the "Know-Nothings" incited a riot in the holiday crowd in Bath. This party had been newly formed in 1845 to protest against immigration, especially that of Irish Catholics, millions of whom were entering the country due to the famines in Ireland. Bath was probably selected for this action because of its prominence among East Coast cities and the fact that a large segment of the Catholic Society at that time was Irish. During the riot, a mob rushed to the site of the South Church to vent its resentment against the Catholics; the group burned and destroyed the church.

Oliver Moses, a member of the Universalist Church, offered his home at 1034 Washington Street to the Catholics for Mass until another location could be found. He was a businessman and a founder of the First National Bank of Bath, and one of the founders of the Bath Savings Institution. The Catholics, in order to acknowledge his generosity and graciousness, presented Oliver Moses with a handsome silver service that has been handed down to his descendants. The home of Oliver Moses IV in New York State was the last known location of the silver service. The Know Nothing Party disintegrated after losing the 1856 election.

From the Moses residence, the Society's services were moved to Corinthian Hall (formerly at 906 Washington Street) where they remained until the completion of Saint Mary's Church.

1855-1856 - Construction of the Original Saint Mary's Church

Rev. Peter McLaughlin

The church property included the famous old Isaiah Crooker house (1753) which was moved to the rear of the property to make room for the new church and then served as a rectory for Fr. McLaughlin for many years. It became a home for the aged of the parish until its destruction by fire in 1898.
Blessing of the bell in the tower did not take place until January 23, 1910.

(Click on image for larger view) Original Saint Mary's Church, 838 High Street, completed in 1856.

St. Mary Side Altar

The Main Altar 1954 (Click on images for larger view)

St. Joseph Side Altar

Interior in 1917 (Click on image for larger view)

(Click on image for a larger view)

The interior of the church was remodelled several times over the years and could accommodate 600 people. Above the marble main altar was an original painting of Christ and Mary Magdalene; executed directly on the wall, it could not be moved to the new church. The facility contained no meeting rooms. Above right: the rear of the church, with altar boy Robert Granger, 1945. Immediate left: the last wedding (Jack & Mary Jane Henderson) at the original Saint Mary's Church in 1968.

In 1865, under the direction of Rev. Daniel W. Murphy, a new rectory was built just north of the church and remained in service until a new one was constructed in 1912 to the south of the church. The old one then became the Convent of Our Lady of Mercy and was used by the Sisters of Mercy for decades thereafter. (see 1879 photos on Additional Photos page) In 1873, all debts were paid, and the church was considerably remodelled.

1899 - Calvary Cemetery

(Click on image for larger view)

Calvary Cemetery, on the west side of Upper High Street, belonged to St. Mary's Parish for nearly a century. It was a project of Reverend John O'Brien (see photo below), who purchased eight acres and presented the ground to the parish in the latter part of his pastorate. After his death on October 26, 1899, his own remains were the first to be interred there. His tall monument, on the top of the hill, overlooks the rest of the Cemetary. Other pastors from Saint Mary's are buried with him.

Fencing and grading of the cemetery were started in 1902. The ground was blessed in 1903 by the Bishop of Portland, William O'Connell, and opened for the use of the parish. In the 1980's the cemetery was deeded to the City of Bath.

Turn of the Century - A Parochial School and a New Rectory

The Bishop wanted a parochial school in Bath. Rev. Phelan invited the sisters of Mercy (a teaching order) to establish a parochial school. The former residence of Charles Clifford on Chestnut Street, adjoining the church property, was purchased and remodelled to serve as a school. It had a capacity of 150 students in five classrooms. Saint Mary's Parochial School was formally opened on September 27, 1909. The Sisters of Mercy instructed, with a pupil enrollment of 13. The property adjoined the old (1865) rectory, then the parish convent.

(Click on image for larger view) The first St. Mary's school in the former Charles Clifford residence at 14 Chestnut Street. Note the Convent and church behind it, facing High Street. 1941 photo.

By 1917 there were six sisters and 125 pupils. The former Clifford house, containing the parochial school, was destroyed by fire on January 20, 1943. The parochial school ceased to exist until 1964.

(Click on image for larger view)

In 1905, plans for a new rectory were drawn up. This second Rectory on High Street was erected immediately south of the church, next to Morse High school, on the site of the house of James W. Wakefield. Monsignor M.C. McDonough was responsible for the construction. A spacious and elegant dwelling, it was described in the 1917 Parish Reference Book as "one of the finest church residences in New England." It contained several ornate mantles and was characterized by its stained glass bordered windows, third floor dormer windows, and ornamental railings.

1917 - A Moment in Time

Thanks to the Catholic Guide and Reference Book" (see front cover and excerpts on Additional Photos page) published by Rev. Nicholas J. Horan in 1917, we know that Saint Mary's Parish was a busy place. The new school, open 8 years, had 125 pupils, instructed by six Sisters of Mercy. The Parish Reference Book tells us that numerous Catholic Societies were flourishing, including the Boys Sacred Heart Sodality, Girls Sacred Heart Sodality, Children of Mary, Sodality of Married Women, and the Holy Name Society. The parish maintained two libraries. Members of the parish paid pew rent in the months of November, February, May, and August, and their names were on the pews.

1923 - KKK in Bath

The Ku Klux Klan was very active in the City of Bath from 1923 to 1925. Many prominent citizens were members, and the City Marshall led the Klan at the time. Some Catholics' homes in Bath found crosses burning on their lawns. The Klan meetings were held in the YMCA and also at the armory on Front Street. An unfortunate sentiment of the time is a "Help Wanted" sign in a Bath storefront window that read, "Boy Wanted - Catholic not wanted."

1929-1955 - THe Maney Years

Rev. Timothy C. Maney

His long-time Associate Pastor, Rev. John Bellefontaine

First Communion Class 1940 (Click on images for larger version)

In 1928, George Davenport bequeathed $1500 to Saint Mary's Church. During the following year, Rev. Timothy C. Maney was assigned to this parish and made needed repairs and alterations to the church. He was known for his long sermons and big, loving heart. Even today when people remember "Father Maney", they tell of how he always had a pocket full of dimes, and whenever he saw a child, he would slip a dime into the child's hand. He walked extensively in Bath and always stopped to talk with anyone he met. A local non-catholic gentleman recently spoke warmly of Rev. Maney as "father of everyone in town."

Church on left; Convent of Our Lady of Mercy on right; Parish Honor Roll in center. Banner reads: "Sacred Heart Unity No. 551, Charity Unity Friendship, Bath, Maine, NCDofI [National Circle Daughters of Isabella] The hedge in the foreground is all that remains today. (Click on image for larger view)

1955 - Rev. Francis E. Morrissey and the New Saint Mary's School and Convent

Rev. Morrissey came to Bath as the pastor in 1955. It was obvious that new parish facilities were needed, and he began plans for a new convent, school, church, and rectory. The Bishop of Maine purchased the land on the corner of Sheridan Road and Lincoln Street for the new location in 1960. In February 1964, the school and the convent were ready for occupancy. It served 140 children and was staffed by four Sisters of Mercy.

The New St. Mary's Convent & School (Click on images for larger view)

On June 4, 1969, the Diocesan Superintendent of Schools notified the parish that St. Mary's School, in existence for only five years, would be closed for good as of the end of June. This news was a great disappointment to members of the parish as it served 140 children in grades one through eight. It was staffed by four Sisters of Mercy.

The school building was offered to the City of Bath for $300,000, but the offer was refused. Instead, the parish leased it to the City from 1969 to 1972 when it was called the "Huse Middle School." In 1972, the school, convent, and "some adjacent land" were sold to the City of Bath for $160,000. It was renovated and on March 1, 1973 was dedicated as the Donald N. Small School. Today it is used as offices for the Bath Recreation Department, and also is home of Bath Community Television. The former convent was occupied until recently by the Bath School Department.

1967 - Rev. Joseph H. Butler and the New Saint Mary's Church and Rectory

Rev. Morrissey initiated plans for the new church and rectory and instituted semi-annual fund-raising field days which eventually provided a considerable share of construction costs. Unfortunately, he passed away April 1967, leaving to Rev. Butler completion of the building of the church and the rectory. He was instrumental in obtaining another strip of land added to that which was bought in 1960. His Associate Pastor, Rev. Carrigan, assumed responsibility for many details of the construction of, and move to, a new church. In August 1968, the last service was held at the old church. The City of Bath had bought Saint Mary's property for the expansion of Morse High School.

(Click on image for larger view)

During 1955, in recognition of the 100th anniversary of Saint Mary's Church, the Daughters of Isabella commissioned a commemorative plate. They approached a young parishioner and artist, Patrick J. Nugent, to design the plate. Using a photograph of the church's exterior, he created a design which was accepted immediately. Manufacture of the gold-rimmed plate was contracted to the L. G. Balfour Company of Attleboro, Massachusetts. The rear of the plate is inscribed: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Saint Mary's Church Bath, Maine 1855 August 1955 During 1968, in anticipation of the forthcoming sale and demolition of the church, the plate was reissued. The rear of the reissued plate is inscribed: Saint Mary's Church Bath, Maine 1855  August  1968

The church belfry and the church bell were bought by Harry C. Crooker and taken to Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick. The beehive style belfry was restored, repainted, and set in a scenic wooded area. A wishing well container was built into the base of the belfry under a glassed-in history of the belfry. Proceeds from the wishing well were destined to help the Youth Development Center for Retarded Children, Inc. The bell, inscribed with the names of those of the church people who contributed to it, was placed in the Crooker museum at the beach, but Mr. Crooker later donated the bell and set it in concrete where it now sits at the front entrance of the present church.

(Click on image for larger view)

In the years since the "old" Saint Mary's Church was torn down, former parishioners have contributed their Memories of the Old Church. Please feel free to add yours.

1969 - The New Church and Rectory Open

On Sunday, May 4, 1969, the new church opened its doors for Mass. On June 15, 1969 it was officially dedicated by Coadjutor Bishop Peter Gerety as Chief Celebrant.
The new church is modern, and less traditionally embellished than the old one, with plenty of space for the then 625 families. Constructed in the shape of a cross, designed by an architect from Boston, Leo A. Whelan, it is very open and light streams in from large abstract epoxy windows. (Click here for the architect's drawing and a list of contractors.)

Reverend Butler and Reverend Carrigan moved into the new 18-room rectory before Christmas 1968, shortly after the demolition of the old rectory.

New Saint Mary's Rectory (Click on images for larger view)

Rev. Butler and Two Pastoral Assistants, Rev. Frederick A. Carrigan and Rev. Vickerson, confer inside the new St. Mary's Church

Adapting to Changing Times - 1969 to the Present

Over the years, Saint Mary's Church has successfully evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. The hand-carved crucifix which originally hung above the main altar was moved to the rear wall, stained to highlight its features, and floodlit. The console of the Baldwin Model N organ has been moved several times, and the organ itself has been updated. A piano has been added. Four communion stations enhanced by a simple wheat design which were originally spaced around the altar have been removed to allow for distribution of communion at the end of the middle and two side aisles. The altar area has been enlarged to provide additional choir space.

Altar area prior to first Mass in 1969 (Click on image for larger view)

Original Baldwin Model N organ in 1969 (click on image for larger view)

The front rows of pews in all three seating areas have been removed to permit ceremonial functions around the altar. One of the two original confessionals has been converted to a storage area for the video Mass equipment. The baptismal font has been moved from the former baptism room to the main altar; the room is now a "quiet room" for active families during Mass. In 2000, the carpeting was replaced and the altar screen repainted. Tiles were placed under the altar. The Knights of Columbus held several fund raising events to collect money for a flag pole on the front lawn of the church. The flag pole was dedicated on Flag Day, 2002.

(Click on image for larger view)

Concerned that the church had no outward visible sign of our Blessed Mother, whose name it bears, a group of similar-minded women banded together to propose a Statue and Memorial Garden Project. The project was cleared by the Worship & Spirituality Commission and the Parish Council and approved by Father Rice in May 2002. A year of fund raising culminated in the purchase of a five foot white marble statue from Carrarra, Italy, a landscape design, and the hiring of a landscape company to place the statue and install the garden during the summer of 2003. Dedication of the Statue and Garden took place on October 4, 2003.

On July 1, 2009, Saint Mary's Parish ceased to exist. St. Mary's Church became part of the new All Saints Parish comprised of St. Mary's Church, St. John the Baptist Church, St. Charles Church, St. Ambrose's Church, St. Patrick's Church, and Our Lady Queen of Peace Church.

Pastors, Past and Present

Priests, Past and Present, Not Pictured Above

Rev. John O'Brien (Click on images for larger view)

Rev. Nicholas J. Horan

Rev. Michael ("Fr. Mike") McGarrigle

Rev. Henry F. H. Sims Retired from St. Patrick's Church In Residence at St. Mary's for many years.

Rev. Joseph R. McKenna

Rev. Richard P. Rice

Information and photos for these pages have been supplied by members of the parish too numerous to mention individually. Members of the parish web committee are grateful for the assistance of each individual. A special note of thanks is due to Patrick Finn upon whose extensive work these pages have been built. (See the Bibliographical References for further information.)
Our work is not done. There are many gaps in both the history and the photo collection above. Anyone with information to contribute is asked to contact Jack Henderson or any member of the parish web committee.