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St Luke The Evangelist
Rectory 70 Main Street
Westborough, MA, 01581
Phone: (508) 366-5502 FAX:508-366-6049 Parish Ctr: 508-366-8509
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Brief History of Saint Luke The Evangelist Parish
St Lukes Wooden Frame Church in 1920 before it burnt.
| 1834 |
The earliest recorded Catholic service in the town of Westborough was celebrated by a missionary priest, Father Fitton, who later founded the college of the Holy Cross. |
| 1851-1855 |
Westborough was established as a mission. Services were held in local homes. |
| 1869 |
Old Baptist church was purchased by Father Barry and moved to Milk Street. |
| 1870 |
Westborough was officially established as a parish with Father Richard Donovan as its first pastor |
| 1886 |
On April 4, 1886, the converted church burned to the ground! |
| 1888-1889 |
Under the supervision of the pastor, Father John J. McCoy, a new wood frame church, in the Romanesque style, was built on the corner of West Main and Ruggles Streets. The new church wa dedicated on August 1st, 1889. (see photo above) |
| 1920-1921 |
Parish church burned to the ground (again!). Under the leadership of Father John D. McGann, the present brick structure (as we know and love it today) was built and dedicated. (see drawing below). |
| 1969 |
The parish center was completed and dedicated during the pastorate of Father Raymond Burke. |
| 1975 |
The Stone property at the corner of Cross and Ruggles Street was purchased and made into much needed parking space adjacent to the Parish Center. |
| 1980 |
The original Victorian styled home that had served as a rectory for many years was removed and the present parish house was built on the corner of West Main and Charles Streets during the ministry of Father Leo Barry. At this time the current ramp for the handicapped was also installed at the church entrance. |
| 1994 |
The interior of the church was completely renovated during the tenure of Father George Lange and was solemnly dedicated by Bishop Timothy J. Harrungton at a con-celebrated Mass on September 18. |
| 1996 |
An elevator was added to the Parish Center and the people of St. Luke celebrated the 125th anniversary of the parish community. |
| 1997 |
Parish records place the number of Catholic families worshipping at St. Luke's at 1,700+ |
| 2000 |
In 2000, Parish records showed 5,371 people registered at St. Luke's:
there were 567 people over 65
610 children under the age of 7.
Total parish mailing at that time was approximately 1,900 families or individuals in Westborough, Northboro, Shrewsbury, Marlboro, Hopkinton and Grafton.
(you can find out more historic facts about St Luke's clicking in an article below)
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Artist Rendition of Saint Luke The Evangelist brick frame structure as it currently exists. Please click on the drawing above to see it in high resolution (warning it's a very large image!)
MORE: You can find out a bit more history about our parish by clicking here and reading and article published in 1999.
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The simple and elegant line drawing that graces the cover of our Bulleting and Home page was drawn in 9/7/2000 by Marie O'Leary.
Click here to see more historic details about St Lukes in a 1999 article by Catholic Free Press.
Check what's new at St Lukes.
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