St. David Catholic Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. David Catholic Church
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Madawaska, Maine |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Chickering & O'Connell revival |
| Architectural style | Baroque revival, Italian Renaissance revival architecture |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000101 |
| Added to NRHP | October 02, 1973 |
St. David Catholic Church is a very old and special church located at 774 Main Street in Madawaska, Maine. It was built in 1911. The church has a unique design, mixing two old styles: Baroque revival and Italian Renaissance revival architecture.
This church was the first separate Roman Catholic church built in Madawaska. Its creation was important for the local French Catholic community. This community faced challenges after the border between the United States and Canada was set in 1842. In 1973, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical place.
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About St. David Church
St. David Catholic Church stands on the north side of US Route 1. It is located between the road and the Saint John River. This spot is close to where the first French Acadian people landed in 1785.
Church Design and Look
The church is a large building made of brick. It has stone and wood details. The front of the church has two stories and a tall tower in the middle. The main part of the church, called the sanctuary, is behind this front section.
The side walls of the sanctuary have sections marked by columns called pilasters. These sections have tall, arched windows. The front of the church has three entrances. The middle entrance is more decorated with stone. The second floor also has arched openings and windows. The tower above the center has an open, eight-sided belfry. This belfry has columns that support arches.
History of the Parish
The St. David parish was officially started in 1871. This happened after many years of requests from local French Catholics. Before this, the area was a disputed territory between Maine and New Brunswick, Canada.
Border Changes and Community Needs
In 1842, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty set the border along the Saint John River. This divided the French Catholic community. Many Catholics found it hard to attend church services in Canada. Also, church leaders in Canada were hesitant to work with authorities in Maine.
Because of these difficulties, the local people pushed for their own parish. Their request was finally approved by a special church decision in 1870.
Building the Church
The first church for the St. David parish was finished in 1872. The current, larger church was built later, between 1911 and 1912. It was designed by architects Chickering & O'Connell from Boston. The new church was officially opened in 1913.
See also
