St. Mary’s celebrates 170th anniversary

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — An estimated 300 parishioners filled the sanctuary Sunday morning for Mass at St. Mary of the Visitation for its 170th anniversary as the Knights of Columbus barbequed chicken outside under a tent and the Houlton Council of Catholic Women set up a sumptuous brunch.
 Pioneer Times photos/Elna Seabrooks
NEWLY INSTALLED — Susan and John McGillicuddy of Hodgdon were installed as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at a mass marking the 170th anniversary of St. Mary of the Visitation last Sunday in Houlton. While in line for the buffet, Father Dave Raymond stepped in to help serve food to several hundred who went downstairs for a special buffet provided by the Knights of Columbus and the Houlton Council of Catholic Women after the historic service.
   In his homily, Father David Raymond, the pastor, extended Father’s Day greetings to the congregation and then looked back at the long history of the parish that started with about 30 families back in 1839. He said the parish community continues to worship in a building designed by renowned architect Viggo F.E. Rambusch after the earlier building was destroyed by fire. Father David Raymond acknowledged the “many families in the parish with long histories and extended roots in the area as well as newcomers who are laying down roots for themselves and their families.” He concluded with: “May we have 170 more years by the grace of God.” The congregation immediately affirmed his hope with loud applause.
Paul McGillicuddy, enjoyed the buffet.
    The offertory began with a procession of gifts and artifacts that were displayed on the altar for the congregation to view after the service. Marcie Michaud, the lector, noted that Paul McGillicuddy carried a book with the story of the parish. He was followed by James Griffin, a volunteer firefighter from Hodgdon who carried two bronze angels recovered from the 1958 fire that destroyed the previous church. She also announced that two young men, Lucas Grant and Greg Griffin, presented a recent painting of the church that represented the future of the parish.
Little Delaney Ouellette, who will be two in November, opted for cream puffs. Mother Nancy Ouellette and her grandmother Wanda Ouellette, below were all smiles.
    During the service, Susan and John McGillicuddy of Hodgdon were installed as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who will distribute the Eucharist at mass as well as to sick, homebound and other parishioners. At the conclusion of the service, Father Raymond invited the congregation to join him in St. Anthony’s Hall for what turned out to be a sumptuous buffet of grilled chicken with a variety of salads and trimmings. An assortment of desserts and beverages including a sheet cake with the design of the current and previous church engraved in icing on top of the cake capped off the meal.
Deacon Al Burleigh, bottom right, gave his seal of approval to Grand Knight David Grant,  on the grilled chicken prepared by the Knights of Columbus who barbequed 300 half chickens for guests at St. Mary’s 170th anniversary.