Saint Marys Church of the Assumption Parish

Can a church be a reflection of a community? Saint Marys Church of the Assumption Parish stands as a testament to the Irish immigrants who shaped Brookline. Saint Marys Church of the Assumption Parish was the first Catholic church in Brookline. It was also the first in the nation to carry the name. Established in 1852, the parish initially held gatherings at the corner of Boylston and Washington Streets. The current Saint Marys Church of the Assumption Parish complex sits on Harvard Street. The land was purchased in 1878. The church itself was completed in 1886. The complex grew between 1880 and 1906. The renowned architectural firm Peabody and Stearns designed the buildings. The church, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, is built of red brick. It features brownstone trim and a tower reaching 146 feet. The interior is equally impressive. Kilkenny marble and onyx line the walls. The altar, crafted from Caen stone with marble trim, commands attention. Next to the church stands the rectory. Peabody and Stearns also designed this 3 1/2-story brick structure. A school and a convent, originally a Greek Revival house moved to the site and renovated, complete the complex. Saint Marys Church of the Assumption Parish reflects the growth of Brookline’s Irish immigrant community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants, many of whom worked on the railroad, sought a place of worship and community in their new home. Saint Marys provided that and more. It became a symbol of their faith and resilience. Even today, it holds a piece of history. The baptismal font, moved from St. Aidan’s Church, is the same one used to baptize John F. Kennedy. Saint Marys Church of the Assumption Parish is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to the community it serves.