St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish, Melrose, MA
Pillars & Foundations was initiated as an exploration communities as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share my experiences, and spread the positivity I obtain from them. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.
The Building & the History of the Parish
I used to live close by on Pleasant St. in Melrose, and I was always impressed by this building. As seemed to be a smaller wooden, community Church, that was designed in the fashion of a grand stone church. In recent times the parish chose to replace the wooden shingles with vinyl siding, however as you can see from the pictures, it was done carefully and tastefully, and the ornate features of the awnings, accents around the rose window and other windows are preserved. The church also sits on a striking granite base which adds to it's picturesque contribution to Melrose's character. The building even has a Lower Chapel which seems unusual for a structure of its modest size.
St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish was established in 1894 to replace an existing parish known as St. Bridget. In 1909 St. Mary's established a school which sits adjacent to the church in the center of Melrose. It now forms one of several buildings in a well manicured campus that includes a rectory hall.
The inside of the church is as unique as the exterior, boasting ornate columns, painted to appear as though they are marble, when in actuality they appear to possibly be wood. The large stained glass windows decorate the sanctuary in bright colors and ornate "stations of the cross," are situated on the perimeter of the nave. The church is beautifully maintained with flawless, often ornate accents of paint decorating the ceiling and other features as the choir balcony. A hardwood floor in excellent condition has not been covered with linoleum or carpet as is the case in so many churches. The parish is truly lucky to have such a beautiful home and Melrose is certainly lucky to claim it as theirs.
| Ten minutes before Mass, the 7:30 time is well attended. Note the large windows, and unique gold leaf painting above the altar. |
The Parish
St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish has three Sunday Masses, as well as a Saturday vigil and Mass on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. A diverse crowd populated the pews and participated in a traditional Catholic Mass. They laughed at a down to earth story from Father Kevin Toomey wondering about the excessive time the care taker dedicates to a vegetable garden on the grounds. The garden apparently having expanded far beyond the original small intended size apparently does the care taker well, providing a source of meditation. The story indicates a warmth and touch of personal relationship with the parish, and it was of course tied into the message of the homily.
When the Mass was over and people filtered out onto the street, Father Toomey warmly greeted parishioners as they left to enjoy the stunning day. Happy laughter was heard as people chattered amongst themselves. I over heard a little boy say, "I really like this church," to which they relative or family friend he was visiting with responded by saying, "We really like it too." It made me smile and think of those days as a young child sitting in a pew perhaps staring at the light flickering through a window of pastel panes while hearing a hymn. I probably was daydreaming, as children often do, but I certainly recall feeling secure and loved. I was a lucky kid, to have a family and a community to give me such memories. I like to think similar experiences are being fostered regularly in St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish.
The Mass
The Mass that I attended was basic, as it was a 7:30 am time, likely without the extra musical accompaniment that a later time may have. I'm sure a choir and the organ must make it even more inviting, but there is also something to be said for quiet pauses and contemplation.
John 12:20-33 was one of the central readings for the day. This reading is largely about Christ attempting to explain that his message, through his death and resurrection will ultimately become very powerful. Within this reading is described the metaphorical spread of seeds, a comparison to wheat that dies. The seeds represent love, the message of Christ and spreading of good will. This was tied into Father Toomey's mention of the dedication of the care taker to the rectory garden (mentioned previously) to produce a harvest. It was stated that similarly through dedication, with will power, effort, goodness and love, the message of Christ can be spread, and this is what is asked of followers. To allow ones self to use their inherent talents/gifts to make the world a better place for all, and to spread love.
| Blues seem to be prominently featured in the windows, with enough white/opaque panes to let in plentiful amounts of sunlight. |
Outreach/Parish Activity
Various ministries at the parish serve the community as well as the world beyond, such as a bereavement program, and Mission Possible, an organization that raises funds for a medical clinic in the Dominican Republic. St. Mary's also does work with a food pantry, the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. For a more complete list of such outreach visit the parish website.St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish offers various faith based and social groups as well. For example Lydia's Circle is a women's spirituality group that meets weekly. There are also ministries which deal with various operational aspects of the church, the music ministry is one such group.
The St. Mary of the Annunciation School is a major portion of the Parish organization. The school serves children from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.
| Not the clearest picture, however it serves to demonstrate how ornate the Stations of The Cross are. |
Conclusion
Through much of Melrose's history, St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish has been there to help shape the community. It has been a home of spiritual guidance, a source of charity, and a beautiful cornerstone in the city of Melrose. The greater community continues to be made richer by its presence and contributions.
| The landscaping and even the abundant clover makes the grounds "pop" on this gorgeous late spring day. |
| St. Mary's School, the back of the church can be seen to the right. A small park sits on the corner in front with a dedication to a crossing guard that tragically lost her life in an accident in years past. |
Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links
