Catholic Church, Limerick, Me. 1802.

Catholic Church, Limerick, Me. 1802.

"Catholic Church, Limerick, Me. 1802." Image shows the modest, one-story St. Matthew Parish Catholic Church as originally built around 1920. The sanctuary's size, and its location in the company town of Limerick Mills reflects the later arrival and economic standing of the working French-Canadian, Irish and Italian Catholic populations in Limerick. The Parish's website provides the following history: "In the early days of the 20th century, in order to attend Mass, the Catholics in Limerick had to travel great distances to Sanford or Springvale --often only able to make their Easter duty. Later, the Catholic community met at the Lakefront Clubhouse (owned by the Limerick Mill and used as a recreation hall) or (at) various private homes. "From 1912 until 1921, priests from St. Ignatius Parish in Sanford served the comunity as a mission of that church. They celebrated Mass in the shipping room of the mill. In winter months, the priests commuted once a month on the train and in summer twice a month. "In 1921, the first resident pastor, Fr. McLaughlin, arrived at St. Matthew's Parish. That same year, the community worked together to build the original church across from Sokokis Lake and dedicated it on October 21st. "Eighteen years later as the community continued to grow, the community again labored to enlarge the church. Shortly after the transition of St. Matthew's Parish from a mission church to an independednt parish, it became the parent of the Star of the Sea Misssion in York Beach, Maine. From 1923 until 1961, the pastors of St. Matthew's Parish commuted weekly to York Beach to celebrate Sunday Mass..." According to Thomas LePage, "St. Matthew Parish Chuch...(was) named for Lt. Matthew Harkins, a frequent summer visitor from Province Lake, NH who was killed in WWI. In 1987, the church outgrew itself and a new building was built around the corner on Dora Lane."