St. Mary's Complex (Taunton, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Mary's Complex
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Taunton, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 7 acres (2.8 ha) |
| Built | 1868 |
| Architect | Patrick C. Keely; Maginnis, Walsh and Sullivan |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Taunton MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 84002211 |
| Added to NRHP | July 5, 1984 |
The St. Mary's Complex is a group of historic buildings in Taunton, Massachusetts. It includes a Roman Catholic Church, a rectory (where priests live), a convent (where nuns live), and a school. This important complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The church parish was started in 1830, making it the first Catholic parish in Taunton. The main church building you see today was finished in 1868. It was designed by a famous architect named Patrick C. Keely.
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About St. Mary's Church
The main church building is a very large and impressive structure. It is built from stone in a style called Gothic Revival. This style often features tall arches, pointed windows, and strong support structures called buttresses. The church has a tall, square tower at the front. The roof of the main part of the church is pointed, and it has a special upper level with windows called a clerestory. This church building was completed in 1868. It was the third church building for the St. Mary's parish.
Other Buildings in the Complex
The St. Mary's Complex includes more than just the church. Across Washington Street, to the east, is the rectory. This is a brick building where the priests live. It was built in 1903. This spot used to be where the very first church building stood.
On the west side of the street, you will find two other important buildings. One is the school, which is a three-story brick building. It was designed in a style called Collegiate Gothic and was built in 1907. The other building is the convent, a three-story brick building with a special type of roof called a mansard roof. The convent was added in 1912.
History of the Parish
The St. Mary's parish began in 1830. It was started by Irish Catholic people who came to Taunton to work in the local factories and industries. At first, they met for church services in private homes.
In 1832, a wooden church building was constructed where the rectory now stands. Sadly, this church burned down in 1856. However, it was quickly rebuilt. When the current rectory was built in 1903, the old church building was moved to another part of Taunton. It became known as St. Charles Hall. All the other Catholic churches in Taunton today grew out of this original St. Mary's congregation.
Past Priests of St. Mary's
Many priests have led the St. Mary's parish over the years. Here are some of the priests who served the community:
- Reverend James Coyle (1896-1931)
- Reverend James Dolan (1935-1969)
- Reverend James Lyons (1969-1976)
- Reverend Paul Connolly (1976-1999)
- Reverend Francis Kowaski, C.S.C (1999-2004)
- Reverend William Kelly, C.S.C (2004-2010)
- Reverend James Doherty C.S.C (2010–present)
See Also
