A Poem in Granite: The History of St. Mary of the Assumption, is a product of the St. Mary of the Assumption History Committee and was created in observance of Augusta's 200th Anniversary in 1997.
(Please note: St. Mary's is the first of Augusta's three churches and, in fact, the other parishes have their orgins with St. Mary's Church. Please understand that this history was written before St Michael Parish was created. Anyone from the other worship sites who is interested in providing "the rest of the story" is invited to do so by emailing the webmaster, Anna Lyon, and sharing your information.)
New Addition - A very brief History of St. Joseph Church
with photos of the 2004 Renovation
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The History Committee
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St. Mary of the Assumption Parish
As the City of Augusta, Maine began its year long 200th birthday celebration in 1997, parishioners of St. Mary's were inspired to take a closer look at our own rich heritage in the community.
St. Mary of the Assumption traces its roots to the first Mission of the Assumption, established in 1646 by the Reverend Gabriel Druillettes, S.J. The church cornerstone, laid on October 3, 1926 and restored during the 1992 structural renovation, serves as a reminder of this historic fact. Father Druillettes' name is also found among the first clergy listed on the memorial stone that has faced Western Avenue for more than 50 years.
But the stories behind this priest and the many who would follow had faded into distant memories. To many, they had become simply names on a monument.Our pastor, the Reverend Paul R. Kerns, who restored the often-dropped words, "Of the Assumption," to all parish documentation, gathered together a group of parishioners and offered them the opportunity to tell our parish story. The fruits of that effort are compiled in these pages. Enjoy our story and pass it on to future generations.
- Chapter 1: 1646-1724 Abnaki Indians, Jesuits & Pilgrims
- Chapter 2: 1830-1856 Down the Canada Road
- Chapter 3: 1856-1869 Know Nothings, Rum and Rebellion
- Chapter 4: 1869-1886 The Parish on State Street
- Chapter 5: 1886-1910 The Long Pastorate of Father Doherty
- Chapter 6: 1910-1942 A New Century of Endeavors
- Chapter 7: 1942-1967 World War and a Building Boom
- Chapter 8: 1967-1997 Vatican II and the Great Restoration
- Chapter 9: Today and Tomorrow
- Chapter 10: Answering the Call: St. Mary Parishioners Who Entered Religious Life
- Epilogue: A Look at the World Through Stained Glass Windows
- Appendix: St. Mary of the Assumption Pastors and their Assistants and Sisters of Mercy at St. Mary's School
- Sources and Gratitude
