A symphony of silence and stone. That is how one might describe their first encounter with Saint Mary’s Church. Saint Mary’s stands as a testament to faith and architectural ambition. It has served the Catholic community in Boston.
Let’s delve into the history of Saint Mary’s Church. It is the oldest of the three Roman Catholic parishes in Charlestown. Established early in the second quarter of the nineteenth century, its original church in 1828 was only the second Catholic church constructed within the immediate Boston area. This detail underscores the early roots of Catholicism in this part of Boston.
The Saint Mary’s Church we see today is a later work of Patrick C. Keely. He was the best-known designer of Roman Catholic churches in the Northeast. The church is in the Gothic Revival style. It is constructed of Rockport granite with brick trim. This construction choice reflects the architectural trends.
Step inside Saint Mary’s Church and look up. King-post trusses distinguish the open nave interior. Figures support the paneled, molded, and traceried wood ceiling. It eliminates the need for columns so that all parishioners have an unobstructed view. The twelve angels appear to be holding up the beams. This feature provides a sense of shared journey and safety during services.
Consider the magnificent organ of Saint Mary’s. Built in 1892 it has over 3000 pipes. It stands as the largest instrument ever built by Woodberry and Harris of Boston. The organ is primarily operated by wood, metal, and air. It received a citation from the Organ Historical Society in 1997.
The stained-glass windows of Saint Mary’s tell the story of Mary. She played a pivotal role in Jesus’s life. Designed by Franz Mayer of Munich they consist of hundreds of hand-blown glass pieces. These colors were produced with metal oxides to the molten glass.
The Stations of the Cross were sculpted by Joseph Sibbel. He was also responsible for the statue of St. Patrick at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. The brass light fixtures hanging from the ceiling are originals from the 1890s. They run on either gas or electricity.
Saint Mary’s, accommodates the religious educational and social needs. Across Winthrop Street stands the former Saint Mary’s Parochial School. It was designed by Keely’s successor firm, Keely and Houghton, in 1901–1902. It was adapted for elderly housing in the mid-1980s.
In 2006, Saint Mary’s and St. Catherine of Sienna merged to form one parish. The newly formed St. Mary-St. Catherine of Sienna parish worships in Saint Mary’s Church. This union signifies a new chapter. It is a new chapter in the storied history of this sacred place.
So, as we conclude our visit to Saint Mary’s. Remember it is more than just a building. It is a living story etched in stone and glass. It reflects the enduring spirit of faith in the heart of Boston.