Our History

Our History.

Our Lady of Peace - Turners Falls

est. 2006

Our Lady of Peace has a rich history, stretching back to our first Catholic ancestors who came to this area.

Combining several parishes over the years, Our Lady of Peace is the result of those thoughtful mergers. Masses are now celebrated in the former St. Mary of the Assumption Church on Seventh St. in Turners Falls.

St. Mary of the Assumption-Turners Falls

1872-2005

St. Mary of the Assumption, often called the “Irish Church” in days gone by, was established to serve the growing Irish-American community. The over-all dimensions and size of the cathedral-like church building reflect the faith and spirit of sacrifice of the first generations. Initially, the various windows of the church were given by various ethnic groups which, at that time, made up the fledgling congregation. Then in the 1930s the present stained glass windows, created in Prague, were installed—recalling a history of Mary, and once again reflecting the faith of the community.

Our church now has statues that represent our history and our coming together. In the sanctuary, surrounding the altar, are the principal statues of the three congregations that came together: St. Mary; St. Anne, along with the young Mary; and Sacred Heart. On the first columns are beautifully carved wooden statues of Mary and Joseph, which were brought here from St. John’s Church, Millers Falls, when that church was closed and merged. A new statue, dedicated in memory of Margaret Pfersich, with Mary, surrounded by the children of the world, gives a beautiful expression of who we now are: God’s children from various backgrounds, now one.

St. Anne-Turners Falls

1884-2005 (closed)

St. Anne Church was established to meet the needs of the growing French Canadian Catholics who came to this area as a place to find jobs and raise their families. The church is a beautiful, elegant Gothic building, which enveloped the hopes and prayers of the vast worshiping community for many years.

In 1895 St. Anne’s School was founded. Staffed by Sisters of St. Anne, many students were educated there in both English and French, until the school was closed in the 1960s. Annual bazaars, card parties and monthly dinners brought many community members together in support of parish and school for many years. St. Anne’s church and rectory were sold, and the funds used for the needs of the new merged parish—Our Lady of Peace.

Sacred Heart-Greenfield

1914-2005 (closed)

Sacred Heart Church, located on Deerfield Street, Greenfield, served the Polish community, preserving the Polish culture, language and traditions. Known as the “little church with a big heart,” Sacred Heart also served the larger community with a 5:00 p.m. Mass each Sunday that drew doctors, nurses, visitors and those returning from skiing trips to Vermont.

The men’s Sacred Heart/White Eagle Society provided venues for gatherings and celebrations, both at their club just around the corner from the church, as well as their picnic grounds, located just up from the Greenfield swimming pool. Each Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day, there would be Polka bands, dancing, and delicious Polish food.

A women’s group, the Sacred Heart Guild, provided social opportunities, fundraising and spiritual support for the church and the community. The annual Christmas bazaar gave everyone the opportunity to stock up on handcrafted items, gifts and Polish foods.

St.John's Church-Millers Falls 1898-2009 (closed)

St. John’s Church, founded in 1898, was established to meet the needs of the growing Catholic population of Millers Falls.

The Catholic community of St. John’s/St. Blanche’s was known for its many social events, dinners, annual chicken barbecue, as well as a strong religious education program, many volunteers for the ministries of the community, and a spirit of hospitality.

St. John's Church-Millers Falls

St. Blanche Mission - Erving

St. Blanche Mission -Erving established in 1948-2009 (closed)

St. Blanche’s Mission Church in Erving was dedicated in 1948. At one time, St. John’s Church also served St. Patrick’s Church in Northfield

St. Blanche’s, unfortunately, had to be closed when heavy snow caused structural damage and the collapse of the church roof.

It is interesting to note that, prior to the establishment of St. John’s Church, pastoral care of the Catholics of Millers Falls was provided by St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Turners Falls. Now, many of the parishioners of St. John’s and St. Blanche’s have made Our Lady of Peace their spiritual home.

Cemeteries-Turners Falls & Greenfield

All three parishes have beautiful cemeteries: St. Anne's and St. Mary's on Turners Falls Rd. in Turners Falls, and Mater Dolorosa on Wisdom Way in Greenfield. Many families, now scattered far and wide, still bring their loved ones remains back to their original hometown area to be buries along with their beloved ancestors.

Cemetery Information