Special to the Star-Herald
The earliest settlers to the Presque Isle area were drawn by the timber resources. These early pioneers settled in the 1830’s in what was then Maysville at the mouth of the Presque Isle stream. As the logging industry began to draw a few French-Canadians, it was their spiritual needs developing in the latter half of the century that led Fr. Sweron of St. Luce in Upper Frenchville to visit Presque Isle periodically. As a result, he offered Mass for the first time in Presque Isle in 1873 at the home of Thomas Damase Thibodeau.
Later, when the road to Houlton was completed, Fr. Ryan traveled up twice a month to offer Mass in Academy Hall also owned by Thomas Thibodeau. For a time in the late 1870’s and early 1880’s, Father George Talbot made his home with Solomon Burgoyne on Chapman Street and ministered to the local spiritual needs.
The parish received its first church in 1884 through the efforts of Fr. Audet of North Lyndon (N. Caribou). He negotiated the purchase of a church building across from the present church, (current site of Governor’s Restaurant) from the Baptist Society. The building was blessed and dedicated that same year and Fr. Arthur Hamel came from Fort Fairfield twice a month to celebrate Mass. He was also assisted by a Fr. Fortier.
In 1892, Fr. Denis Marchand became the first resident pastor. It was he who purchased the present site from the Phair family. Fr. Marchand renovated a barn used by Romain Michaud for use as the parish rectory.
A major setback occurred on June 23, 1899, when the old church was destroyed by fire. Fr. Alphonse LaRiviere came to Presque Isle to build the present church building. In the interim, Mass was offered in a nearby hall owned by John Hone.
In the fall of 1901, the church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was dedicated and the first Mass was offered. Census records show that there were more than 1500 Catholics in the neighboring towns.The period of 1907-1929 Fathers Decary, Chabot, Leguennec, Renaud, Hayes and Lynch served successively as pastors to the parish and on March 2, 1924, the Knights of Columbus #2524 received their charter.
In 1929, Fr. Daniel J. Feeney was named pastor. He began a program of expansion and renovation. Among the major changes to the structure was the lengthening of the church building, increasing seating from 351 to 480 as well as conversion of the basement to a parish hall. In addition, a Chapman Street entrance was created to access upstairs and down, and the front entrance was widened. On July 30, 1940, the Mary Magdalene Circle #631 Daughters of Isabella received their charter with 54 ladies listed as members. In 1942, Fr. Feeney saw completion of the new rectory on Robert St. The old rectory was converted to a convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph who came to assist the pastor with a program of religious education for the parish. In October 1945, the Sisters of St. Joseph were recalled by their congregation and the Sisters of Mercy came to replace them.
In 1946, Fr. Feeney was called by Pius XII to be installed as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Portland. Fr. John Harris succeeded Bishop Elect Feeney as pastor and was assisted by Fr. Abel Hebert and Fr. Rene Lavoie and later by Fr. Royal Parent.
On September 8th of the Marian Year 1954, an outdoor shrine in honor of Mary was dedicated. The parish census shows a growth through these years which may largely be attributed to the influence of the Presque Isle Air Base.
In 1956, St. Mary’s had 1,000 families — more than 4,000 individuals. Under the direction of Alphie Saucier, Grand Knight K of C the Columbian Squires #344 were chartered and Rev. Royal Parent organized the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). It was also this year that Fr. Harris renovated the front entrance of the church and built a new sacristy, freeing up space for 50 more seats. It was also at this time that a Baldwin organ was purchased to replace the one which had been in use for forty years. This instrument was later replaced in 1969 by an Allen at about the same time that a carrilon was installed in the church steeple through a donation by Mr. and Mrs. Donat Madore. On November 5, 1967, an organizational meeting was held for the establishment of the Parish Council and the officers elected were: Pres. John Henchey; Vice Pres. Robert Cauldfield and Sec. Bea Hanscom. In 1969, the sanctuary was reconfigured according to the liturgical principles set out through the Second Vatican Council. The inside of the rectory was also remodeled during this period. In 1973, sanctuary speakers were installed in memory of Germaine Ladner.
Pastor, Fr. Claude Albert assumed stewardship of the parish in 1978. The following year, the Daughters of Isabella and the Knights of Columbus donated funds to create a small chapel. This was a most welcomed addition which created an intimate atmosphere for daily Mass. In the early 1980’s, Fr. Albert provided a rampway which allows wheelchair access to the church. In the spring of 1986, the Columbian Squires reorganized after having disbanded in 1963, and on July 31, 1986, the Rev. James Hayes #344 Columbian Squires were re-chartered.
Most recently accomplished is the extension of the front of the church to provide a large open Narthex which is used as a greeting room for the community as it gathers to worship. In addition, a conference/celebration room has been created below the Narthex which lends itself to a variety of functions which augment the church life of the parish. The crowning touches to this new addition are the stained glass windows which have been made possible by a generous donation by Mrs. Meagher, installed in October 1986. Since then, the convent was torn down and replaced with a garage, and a restroom has been installed in the Narthex.
(Note: this history if current as of March 2009)
