Construction Information: the New Saint Mary's Church

The new Saint Mary's Church in Bath, Maine was completed in May 1969 and dedicated the following month. Conceived by Architect Leo A. Whelan in the shape of a cross, the church provides its congregation with easy accessibility to the altar. Light streams through several epoxy windows of green, red, pink, orange, and other colors in abstract arrangement.

Participation in the life of the Church is encouraged by the arrangement of two long rows of pews on either side of the altar, and two in front. An attractive but subdued screen at the back of the sanctuary is bordered by symbolic grapes on the vine and serves to avoid distractions from behind the altar. The Eucharistic chapel is located to the rear on one side.

A carillon was placed in the leaded copper tower which is topped with a ten-foot cross on a golden globe. Inscribed above the front entrance are two symbolic representations of the Blessed Virgin on either side of a Chi Rho and crib.

The lower church, or Parish Center, contains large and small meeting rooms, classrooms, offices, and a kitchen.

Architectual Design of Saint Mary's Church. (Click on image for larger view)

Among the many companies and individuals responsible for construction of the new Saint Mary's Church are the following: