St. Mary's Church

St. Mary of the Assumption Church, affectionately known as St. Mary's, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual history of Dedham, Massachusetts. Nestled in the heart of this charming New England town, the church is a beacon of faith, history, and community. From its humble beginnings to its grand Gothic architecture, St. Mary's has been a cornerstone of Dedham's Catholic community for over a century and a half.

The Early Days

The roots of Catholicism in Dedham trace back to 1758, during the French and Indian War, when eleven Acadians were expelled from Nova Scotia and found temporary refuge in the town. However, it wasn’t until May 15, 1843, that the first Catholic Mass was celebrated in Dedham, in the home of Daniel Slattery. This modest gathering of eight Catholics marked the beginning of a growing Catholic community in the area.

By the mid-1800s, the influx of Irish immigrants escaping the Great Famine significantly bolstered the Catholic population in Dedham. The need for a dedicated place of worship became evident, leading to the construction of the first St. Mary's Church on Washington Street. The cornerstone was laid in 1856, and by Easter Sunday of 1857, the new church, capable of seating 600 parishioners, opened its doors.

A New Era: The Second Church

As the Catholic community continued to grow, it became apparent that a larger church was needed. In February 1880, news broke that a generous Protestant benefactor had paid off the parish's $700 debt, allowing plans for a new church to proceed. The cornerstone of the new St. Mary's Church was laid on October 17, 1880, attracting a crowd of over 4,000 people, one of the largest gatherings in Dedham's history.

This new Gothic-style church, described as a cathedral in the wilderness, was an ambitious project. Measuring 150 feet long by 65 feet wide, with a 164-foot bell tower and an 80-foot-high ceiling, it was, and remains, the largest and most imposing church in Dedham. The interior walls were plastered by William B. Gould, an escaped slave who had settled in Dedham, adding a unique historical touch to the building.

While the upper church was still under construction, the lower church was used for Mass, and the first service was held there on October 24, 1886. After two decades of dedicated work and fundraising, the upper church was finally completed and dedicated on September 9, 1900, with a grand ceremony attended by Archbishop Sebastiano Martinelli, the papal delegate, and other prominent figures.

20th Century Expansion

The early 20th century saw continued growth and development for St. Mary's. Under the leadership of Father John H. Fleming, who served as pastor from 1890 to 1923, the parish purchased a cemetery in West Roxbury and built a new Dedham Granite rectory in 1913. The quality of Father Fleming's preaching was such that it attracted other priests to St. Mary's to listen.

In the 1920s, Father Henry A. Walsh focused on fostering the various groups and societies within the parish, reflecting the growing Catholic population and increasing social activity. By 1936, St. Mary's was one of the largest parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston, with 6,000 parishioners, four priests, and six nuns. The Sunday School alone had over 1,300 pupils.

Modern Developments

The latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st century brought both challenges and revitalization to St. Mary's. In the 1960s, the parish remained one of the largest in the archdiocese, leading to the establishment of a second parish, St. Susana's, in 1962. The school continued to grow, necessitating the construction of a new convent in 1964.

However, the 1990s saw a dramatic decline in weekly Mass attendance. In response, Father John Anthony Dooher and Father Chris Hickey revitalized the parish, significantly increasing attendance and establishing one of the largest Life Teen programs in the country. This program, founded in 1997, brought a vibrant energy to the parish, with a dedicated Life Teen Mass, social and catechetical sessions, and community service activities.

Parish Life Today

Today, St. Mary's serves over 2,300 families and sponsors numerous ministries, reflecting its commitment to faith, community, and service. The parish office, located behind the church on Avery Street, was once a convent housing the nuns who taught in the parish school. The cemetery, purchased in the early 20th century, continues to serve the community.

In 2016, St. Mary's celebrated its 150th anniversary with a year-long series of events, including a special Mass celebrated by Cardinal Seán Patrick O'Malley. This milestone highlighted the enduring legacy and vibrant future of this historic parish.

St. Mary of the Assumption Church stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and community in Dedham. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and active parish life make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the spiritual and cultural heritage of New England.