Saint Lawrence Church

Intriguingly, St. Lawrence Church isn’t as famous as some, yet it holds a unique charm. Right here on Boylston Street, near the bustling fire station and medical offices, stands this often-overlooked gem. St. Lawrence Church was designed by the Swiss-American architect Franz Joseph Untersee. He also designed St. Anthony Church in Brighton and a Brookline bank building, now a marijuana dispensary. The church’s architecture evokes Norman France, with its dark wooden beams, traditional stained-glass windows, and Gothic spire. It’s a structure that could easily be mistaken for a national landmark. In the past, travelers could orient themselves by the tallest spire in town, which was usually a church. Today, gleaming skyscrapers dominate the skyline. Not only is it challenging to find a spire, it’s often hard to find someone who can even identify a church. St. Lawrence Church, despite its central location, often goes unnoticed. Even Catholics sometimes ask, “Where is St. Lawrence? And wasn’t it closed?” Its parking, tucked away in the rear via a short road across from the fire station, contributes to its hidden nature. This beautiful church, while a beloved parish home, longs for a larger congregation. Some parishioners have celebrated baptisms, marriages, and even funerals here at St. Lawrence. But many are newcomers or graduate students. The church community, though small, is rich in spirit. The congregation is predominantly senior citizens, leading to fluctuating attendance as some escape the winter for warmer climates. This requires everyone to step up. If no one volunteers to bring the gifts, several people eagerly rise to assist. While there are no Saturday dances in the basement like in the 1950s, small gestures of service abound. Preparing food for coffee hour, collecting donations, and ensuring the old linoleum floors pass health inspections are all vital tasks. Twice a month, parishioners gather in the basement to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for St. Francis House, a Boston shelter for the homeless. The church relies on volunteers for many activities. The Thanksgiving dinner menu signup starts early, allowing even those who will be away to contribute. The Christmas bulletin board displays requests from children in shelters. Parishioners can take a label and bring unwrapped gifts for the mothers to wrap. A volunteer choirmaster sends weekly emails with updates on illnesses, births, reflections on the upcoming liturgy, and other news. Music fills the church, often with 19th-century Charles Wesley hymns, sometimes accompanied by a harp, drums, or flute. A touch of Latin is incorporated to educate the younger generation. St. Lawrence Church experiences a unique phenomenon. Early arrivals for the 9 a.m. Mass might think the attendance is low. But by the time Communion begins, the church is filled with parishioners. This is not an in-and-out congregation. People gather and connect. A beloved family in the parish is the O’Neills, originally from Ireland, with four Ethiopian children. They run a series of spotless “grub pubs,” including the popular Squealing Pig in Mission Hill. Their devout children serve as altar servers and readers. St. Lawrence Church, while perhaps not as grand or well-known as others, thrives on community, service, and a shared love for their parish home.