Echoes of faith resonate within Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon. This isn’t just a church. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Maronite community in Boston.
Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon stands proudly a beacon of Maronite heritage in the United States. Its story begins in 1893 when Reverend Gabriel Korkemaz arrived in Boston from New York. He found a small but growing Maronite community. With the support of Archbishop John J. Williams they initially worshipped at St. James Church on Harrison Avenue.
Father Stephen Korkemaz followed his cousin. Then Father Joseph Yazbek became pastor. A young energetic priest he served Our Lady of the Cedars for nearly 30 years. He secured a four-story building at 78 Tyler Street. This served as residence social hall and chapel. Dedicated in 1899 its first baptism was Habeeb Mansour Matta. Chorbishop Joseph K. Yazbek laid the foundation and built the front of this original church. His missionary work earned him elevation to Chorbishop. He became a leading figure for Maronites in the US.
After returning from Lebanon Father Yazbek continued his pastoral duties until his death in 1925. The parish faced challenges including the Great Depression. However a dedicated group of women formed the Daughters of Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon. Their unwavering faith propelled the community forward.
In 1935 they purchased a building on Shawmut Avenue. Extensive repairs were needed. Father Douaihy oversaw this transformation. Community artisans like Dr. Nassim Shadyak Mr. Nicholas Gibran and Mr. Nicholas Milan contributed their talents. The first Mass in the new location was celebrated on Christmas Eve 1935.
Financial pressures remained a constant. In 1944 Cardinal Cushing helped retire the mortgage. Chorbishop Douaihy insisted on delaying a celebration until all 160 young men serving in the Armed Forces returned.
The Daughters of Our Lady of the Cedars raised $10000 for a new Carrara marble altar imported from Italy. This was dedicated in 1952. The Sacred Heart Society formed in 1945 later becoming the St. Maron Society. They played a crucial role during the church’s difficult transition.
A tragic fire in 1959 destroyed the Shawmut Avenue church. Chorbishop Douaihy tragically died of a heart attack while saving the Blessed Sacrament. Cardinal Cushing offered the Maronites the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament at Holy Cross Cathedral.
Fathers David C Gabriel and Roland Aboujaoude were sent to Boston. They revitalized the parish fostering new organizations and traditions. The parish house at 47 Rutland Street became a hub for activities.
Father Gabriel faced the daunting task of finding building and funding a new church. Cardinal Cushing donated 12 acres on Rockwood Street and $300000. After numerous obstacles the new church opened in 1969. Tragedy struck again when Father Gabriel died in 1970 at only 36.
Father Joseph F Lahoud became pastor. The church was completed in 1975 incorporating the cornerstone from previous buildings. The Italian marble altar was rededicated. The church’s stained-glass windows created by Saliba Douaihy enhance the sanctuary’s beauty.
The Richard Cardinal Cushing Maronite Community Center was renovated in 2022. This state-of-the-art facility showcases the community’s resilience and unwavering faith. Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon stands as a testament to perseverance devotion and the enduring power of faith.