Dedicated as Christ Church in 1834, St. Mary’s was the first Catholic Church in New Haven, and the second in Connecticut. After the Church was completely destroyed by fire in December 1848, a new building on Church Street was dedicated under the care of Mary, and renamed St. Mary’s Church. With the rapid growth of the Catholic population, in 1851 plans for a new church were enacted. The cornerstone at the new location on Hillhouse Avenue was laid in 1870, and the church dedicated in 1874. In 1982, in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus, the church went through a complete renovation, including restructuring the sanctuary, erection of the steeple, and the addition of the organ. (from St. Mary’s website)
Really Nice! Remember well this Church and the meaningfulness in My Life! See My Grandmother Mary Simone "worked" for St. Mary's as a Widowed Mother of 7 children. Each of her Children had the honor of Graduating from St. Mary's High School, due to my grandmother working for St. Mary's cafeteria (indentured servant) until she was 80+ years' old.
What an interesting story and history with the church, Linda! Thanks!