This day in history: December 25
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Date/Time
Date(s) - 25/12/2025
All Day
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1847
The first mass was said in the newly built small wood-frame church (24 X 36 feet) for the Roman Catholics in the community. Father John McMenamin had raised the money for the church, including $300 by soliciting and preaching in Vermont and Connecticut. Whether the lot, the site of the current St. Mary’s church, was purchased from or was a gift of Richard Ray Ward is uncertain.
1879
The first mass was celebrated at the cathedral-like St. Mary’s Roman Catholic church at the corner of East Main and John streets. Construction has been ongoing for more than five years. The 180 feet high steeple, with its gilded cross, was not completed until 1901.