Catholic Church, Belfast, Maine 1410

Catholic Church, Belfast, Maine 1410

Catholic Church, Belfast, Maine St Francis of Assissi Church, Court Street, Belfast. 1778 - First recorded visit by a cleric to Belfast. Father Cheverus, an Indian missionary. 1827 - Visit by Bishop Fenwick via the ship "Patent" to Belfast. He is the first to find Catholics present in town. Father Denis Ryan of Whitefield assumed charge of Belfast Catholics. 1835 - Arrival of William S. Brannigan in Belfast. He was the leading Catholic in Belfast at the time and became the parish's earliest and most important benefactor. 1851 - Building on Primrose Street owned by Mr. Brannigan becomes the first known Catholic church in town. Herbert Blodgett, born in Belfast, became the town's first ordained priest (1877). 1860 - Belfast is attached to Ellsworth as a mission. 1877 - Winterport is made a parish with Belfast one of its missions. Johnson's Hall serves as the chapel until erection of a church. The first Confirmation conferred in Belfast occurred on October 7. 1878 - Mr. Brannigan donates a lot on which to build a church. 1891 - Construction begins on the church. Mr. Brannigan bears the cost of the building; the parishioners pay for the furnishings. It is dedicated by Bishop Healy, Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1891. 1894 - Belfast becomes a parish by itself and Rev. Maurice J. O'Brien is appointed first pastor, June 3rd. A beginning is made on the building of a rectory which is occupied the following year. 1895 - The Catholic population in Belfast reaches 100. 1901 - Funeral services for Mr. Brannigan are held on January 19. A church is built on Islesboro; the first Mass is said August 4th. 1926 - A bell is installed in the church tower. 1963 - Stained glass windows are installed in the church by Fr. Coyne. 1986 - Parish Center is dedicated on January 12 by Bishop Edward O'Leary of Portland. Pastors/Administrators: Rev. Fr. Maurice J. O'Brien 1894-1895 Rev. Fr. John E. Kealy 1895-1905 Rev. Fr. Herman H. Hamakers 1905-1911 Rev. Fr. Denis J. McCabe 1911-1913 Mission Church 1913-1917 Rev. Fr. Timothy J. O'Mahoney 1917-1926 Rev. Fr. James F. Savage 1926-1940 Rev. Fr. Charles I. Brown 1940-1956 Rev. Fr. James J. Tomlinson 1956-1959 Rev. Fr. Thomas F. Coyne 1959-1983 Rev. Fr. Paul M. Pare 1983-1991 Rev. Fr. Christian F. Roy 1991-1993 Rev. Fr. Marcel Robitaille 1993 Rev. Fr. Raymond Richards 1993-1997 Rev. Fr. Costanzo J. Piselli 1997-2005 Rev. Fr. Joseph J. Koury 2005-2008 Rev. Fr. Mark Reinhardt 2009-2012 Rev. Fr. Richard Malo 2012-