Saint Patricks Church

Gazing upon Saint Patrick’s Church, one can almost hear the echoes of its rich history. This isn’t the first Saint Patrick’s Church to grace Watertown. The original church, built in 1848 on Church Hill Street, served the growing Catholic community for nearly half a century. It was a testament to the dedication of Watertown’s Irish immigrants. In 1901, a new Saint Patrick’s Church arose on Main Street, designed by Egbert G. Bullard. The cornerstone was laid in 1901, and the church was dedicated in 1906. This magnificent Gothic structure, with its sweeping walkway and commanding view of Saltonstall Park, replaced its humbler predecessor. The original Saint Patrick’s Church began modestly. In 1846, a mere 100 Catholics resided in Watertown. Services were held in the “Whig’s Reading Room” on Watertown Square by Father Patrick Flood. The congregation then acquired an old Methodist meeting house. It’s said they disguised their intentions, claiming it would be a bonnet factory. The Methodists, upon discovering the truth, attempted to void the sale. Bishop Fitzpatrick intervened, threatening legal action, and the building became the first Catholic church in Watertown. Relocated to Church Hill Street, it was soon deemed too small. A larger structure was built alongside, its cornerstone blessed in 1847. The church was named Saint Patrick’s, honoring the Irish heritage of its parishioners. This Romanesque-style church, elegant in its simplicity, accommodated 800 worshippers. It featured statues of Saint Joseph and Saint Patrick, and side altars dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin. Stained glass windows, donated by parishioners, illuminated the frescoed interior. The new Saint Patrick’s Church on Main Street boasts a capacity of 1500. Its main altar and two shrines, dedicated to Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin, are crafted from Iowa marble. The stained glass windows, some donated in memory of loved ones, tell stories of faith and devotion. Two windows above the altar, depicting scenes from Saint Patrick’s life, are made of European glass. The remaining windows, likely designed by Charles Jay Connick, are of American opalescent glass. The old church on Church Hill Street, after the completion of the new building, was transformed into a parish hall. Its altar, side shrines, and organ were moved to the lower church on Main Street. A mysterious donation, signed “The gift of one who wishes to be known only to God,” funded a new bell installed in 1909. Years later, the bell’s benefactor was revealed to be Mary Tugman, the church sacristan. Saint Patrick’s Church, a beacon of faith in Watertown, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its community.