St. Mary's History

The changes in population caused by one reason and another

saw people of religious belief differing from those already

established in town. Foremost among these were those firm in

the faith of Catholicism, this class increasing in numbers until it

was necessary to have a house of worship.

The first Mass was celebrated in Hillsborough by the Rev. E.

E. Buckle, in 1881. This mission was subsequently visited by

pastors of Peterborough and East Jaffrey, until the settlement of

the first resident priest, the Rev. David W. Fitzgerald, in 1889.

Directly after assuming pastoral charge Father Fitzgerald

secured a plot of land on Church Street the site of a proposed

new church building. Work was begun upon the structure within

a short time, Messrs. Jackman Brothers being engaged as

builders. The house is of modern designs; has Gothic windows;

is 75 feet by 32 feet in dimension ; 32 feet in height, with a tower

of 75 feet, surmounted by a gilded cross. It can seat 350 persons.

Messrs. Chickering and O'Cornell were the architects.

Named Saint Mary's Church in honor of Mrs. Mary A.

Pierce, wife of Hon. Kirk D. Pierce, the new house of worship

was dedicated by Bishop Bradley October 29, 1893. A rectory

was built the following year.

In 1901 Father Fitzgerald was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph

Corcoran, who was followed in 1905 by the Rev. Thomas N.

Coakley.

The Rev. J. G. Leclerc succeeded Father Coakley in 1910 as

pastor of St. Mary's. Father Leclerc was instrumental in the

purchase of two lots of land for cemeteries, St. Mary's Cemetery,

Hillsborough, and Mount Calvary Cemetery, Bennington, both of

which were blessed by Bishop Guertin in June, 1918.

The Rev. James H. Queenan became pastor of St. Mary's in

August, 1917, but he was called into higher service a little over a

year later. He died in November, 19 18.

The present pastor is the Rev. Charles J. Leddy. Father

Leddy was born in Epping and educated at Phillips Exeter

Academy. He came to Hillsborough from St. Joseph Cathedral,

Manchester, and under his care the church has prospered and

promises to yield yet greater good in the future.