Events in the life of St. Mary’s Parish Family by Pastorate

In 1874 Catholics in Winchester were numerous enough for the Archbishop to grant them the privilege of their own church as a mission of St. Charles, Woburn. A small wooden chapel was erected on the site of the present church, and Fr. Edward J. McClure, an assistant at St. Charles, celebrated the first Mass there on Christmas Day, 1875. The first pastor, Fr. Cornelius O’Connor was appointed in 1876.

Rev. Cornelius O’Connor, 1876-1882. The chapel was enlarged to serve a growing Parish.

Rev. Patrick J. Daley, 1882-1888. The parish grew to over 900 souls and the church was enlarged again to approximately its present size, a tower was added, the Shattuck estate was acquired for a parochial residence.

Rev. William O’Brien, 1888-1893. The property on which the school stands was purchased, the church is now described as ‘Tudor Gothic’, with a ninety eight foot spire. The ceiling is decorated with large medallions depicting saints and religious symbols.

Rev. Henry J. Madden, 1893-1906 The wooden church is encased in brick. The entire front was replaced and the remaining walls enclosed. The Parish Library building, subsequently used as a Baptistry was constructed, and the Judkins mansion and grounds were purchased for use as a rectory.

Rev. Doctor Daniel J. Keleher, 1906-1909. The church spire, which had not been clad in brick, was struck by lightning, and burned. It was not replaced, but it was extended to form a bell tower in which a single bell was hung.

Rev. Nathaniel J. Merritt, 1909-1934. The Judkins mansion was moved to the location of the current Parish center, where it was converted into a convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph who ran the school. and a new rectory was constructed. St. Mary’s School was founded in 1914, and in 1922 St. Mary’s High School for Girls was founded in a frame building constructed on the site of the current Parish Hall. A parishioner donated the land behind the Parish Center, now known as the Lower Campus.

Rev. Aloysius S. Malone, 1934-1940. Extensive renovations, new roof, structural strengthening, new flooring, a new altar, new heating and electrical systems etc.

Rev. John O’Riordan, 1940-1952 The debt for the renovations listed above was heavy, particularly in the aftermath of the Great Depression, and during World War II. One means of defraying it was a series of annual carnivals, which were not only exciting and colorful events, but also produced a spirit of sharing in the many who worked to make them successful. The Holy Name Society was reorganized. In 1951 the Chapel of Hemroulle, Belgium, donated a painting of a Station of the Cross to St. Mary’s as a token of friendship resulting from an event during the war in which the villagers helped U.S. forces, who, after the war , returned to thank them.

Rev. Msgr. John Manion, 1952-1969. Construction of the Parish Hall on the site of St. Mary’s High School building. Rebuilding of the organ, redecoration of the church. Originator of the unique custom of kneeling in silent prayer for the dead at the end of every Mass. In 1964 St. Eulalia’s Parish was founded and Fr. Manion actively supported the new parish financially. St. Eulalia assumed the part of St. Mary's west of Rt. 3.

Rev. James A Garrity, 1969-1974. Installation of stained glass windows, depicting events in the life of the Blessed Mother, in the church. Sisters of St. Joseph withdraw from the School. First Eucharistic Ministers were installed in 1973, 7 women and eight men.  Parish Council formed.

Rev. Arthur L. Reardon, 1974-1985. Refurbishment of Rectory, Upper and Lower churches. Installation of new pipe organ. Celebration of Centenary of Parish in 1976. First parish census in 1977, First Parish Appreciation Diner, 1979. Lay Hospital Ministry began.

Rev. Dennis Twomey, Ph.D., 1985-1987 added lighting to the tower, and upgraded the sound system in the church and parish hall.

Rev. Stephen A. Koen II, M.Ed., 1987-1993 Undertook an extensive evaluation of the School, with subsequent reorganization. A Parish Finance Committee was established, and an evaluation of all parish properties was undertaken. The Upper Church was refurbished, with new lighting added, as well as handicapped access ramp to the upper church.

Rev Richard C. Messina, 1993. Introduced Parish Family concept, built Gathering Room, accomplished Convent conversion to Parish Center, established monthly Coffee and Conversation gatherings after Sunday Mass, Youth-friendly activities, Bible School, youth trips etc., Children’s Mass, Pray and Play, Census/questionnaire for information on all aspects of parish life, and to invite volunteers, especially in the lay ministries. Fr. Messina became heavily involved in ecumenical affairs, Peace and Justice Committee, Victory Dinner, Stewardship Campaign. He encouraged active participation in the "Cluster" concept with the other Winchester parishes. The Upper Church was renovated with roof repairs, new lighting, sound system, painting and HVAC system financed by a successful capital campaign. Meditation Garden established with statuary from closed Immaculate Conception parish.
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