Beneath that towering steeple stands a testament to faith. That faith has shaped Charlestown for over a century. We’re standing before Saint Francis De Sales Church. Its story is woven into the very fabric of this community.
Saint Francis De Sales Church boasts a prominent location. Its exterior hints at medieval Celtic chapels. Note the distinctive blue stone masonry. The massive central tower pierces the sky. Cast-iron entrance enframements invite you closer. Look at the Romanesque Revival and Gothic Revival window treatments. They adorn the double-tiered nave.
Construction commenced in 1859. The first Mass was held in the basement by 1861. The main church opened in January 1862. The parish emerged next to the Bunker Hill graveyard. Irish Catholic immigrants found their final resting place here. This followed a long fight for burial rights led by Bishop Benedict Fenwick in the 1830s.
Patrick C. Keely designed Saint Francis De Sales. This is one of his two Charlestown churches. He also designed the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. That stands in the South End. Keely was a prolific architect. He designed over 200 Roman Catholic Churches. Saint Francis De Sales is an excellent example of Irish architecture. The American Society of Architects and Engineers recognized this. They noted the steeple’s placement above the front door. This is a hallmark of Irish church design.
Inside, the church mirrors St. Mary’s in Limerick. Keely knew that Irish church well. Balconies grace three sides of the interior.
Saint Francis De Sales is 150 feet long and 71 feet wide. The spire reaches 181 feet high. It towers over the Bunker Hill Monument. The church is a prominent landmark.
The church’s history is intertwined with Charlestown. Saint Francis De Sales became a spiritual home. It served Charlestown’s Catholic community during the Civil War. Generations have received spiritual and pastoral care here. The church has been a constant presence.
Father Daniel Mahoney served as pastor for over 40 years. He is also the Chief Chaplain for the Boston Fire Department. Cardinal Cushing named Saint Francis the official firefighter’s church in 1959. This honored the many firefighters from Charlestown in the parish.
Saint Francis De Sales Church faced challenges. Busing in the 1970s and 1980s caused many parishioners to move. But the parish has seen growth in recent years. New and old members contribute to its vitality.
In 1928, the lower church was rededicated as the Chapel of All Souls. A portion of the lower church reopened as Bishop Lawton Hall in the 1970s. Reconstruction of the church tower and steeple was completed in 1976.
Today, Saint Francis De Sales continues to thrive. It remains a vibrant part of Charlestown. It stands as a testament to faith. It also stands as a symbol of community. This Jubilee celebration marks 160 years of parish life. That highlights the good times of the past. It celebrates the new vibrancy that has emerged.
The story of Saint Francis De Sales is one of resilience. It is also one of faith and community. Take a moment to appreciate this historic landmark. It represents the enduring spirit of Charlestown.