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Our Parish History |
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 St.
Andrew’s Church in Sackets Harbor was founded in 1887, and
was entrusted to the care of Rev. Tobias Glenn, pastor of
St. Patrick’s Church in Watertown. Prior to its
establishment as a parish, the Catholic community in Sackets
Harbor had been under the care of the priests in Watertown
from 1835 until 1891, when it was given over to the care of
the priest in Brownville, Father Smythe.
The parish received its
first resident pastor in 1897 in the person of Rev. Leo
Cochard. He remained in the parish for a short time, and the
care of the parish in Sackets Harbor was once again
entrusted to the priest assigned to Brownville. St. Andrew’s
received its first verifiable resident pastor in July 1902
when Bishop Henry Gabriels assigned Father Timothy Mahoney
as pastor of Sackets Harbor, with its missions at Adams and
Belleville.
Father Mahoney was
replaced by Father Michael Fogarty in 1906. Fr. Fogarty
rented a house on Monroe Street for his rectory upon
arriving in Sackets Harbor. The parish would purchase that
house in 1918, and it would be used as the rectory until
1947.
Father Joseph Tierney
served as pastor from 1908 to 1910. He was followed by a
rapid parade of pastors: Fr. C.P. Hurley (1910-1913); Fr.
Art Kenny (1913); Fr. Hollis (1913); Fr. D. Burns (1913);
Fr. Aloysius McMahon (1913-1915); and Fr. Frederick Hatch
(1915-1917).
Father James McClure
arrived as pastor of St. Andrew’s in 1917 and would remain
as pastor until 1930. His replacement, Father Michael Kelly
served as pastor from 1930 until 1935. Father Frances
Maguire served as pastor at St. Andrew’s from 1935 through
1944. Father Maguire renovated the rectory and church at St.
Andrew’s during his tenure, and was highly regarded for his
care of the soldiers and families stationed at Madison
Barracks during World War II.
Father Patrick Thompson
served the parish as administrator from 1944 to 1946. In
1946, on of the most beloved pastors at St. Andrew’s, Fr.
John Kennedy, arrived in Sackets Harbor. Father John Kennedy
would serve the parish until May 26, 1964. Fr. Kennedy was
as renowned as a farmer as much as a priest. He delivered
eggs to needy families and friends. It was Father John
Kennedy who had the present rectory built. In 1957, he
erected Queen of Heaven Church in Henderson, and in 1963
moved St. Andrew’s church to its present location. He also
oversaw the start of construction of the present day parish
center. By the time he was transferred to Cape Vincent in
1964, Father John Kennedy was well loved and respected in
Sackets Harbor.
To the confusion of many,
Father Kennedy was replaced by another Father Kennedy,
Father Edwin Kennedy. Father Edwin Kennedy oversaw the
completion of the parish center which was dedicated by
Bishop Donnellan in 1968. Father Edwin Kennedy served as
pastor until 1970.
In 1970, Father William
Meunch became pastor of St. Andrew’s. Father Meunch was a
dynamic and energetic pastor. He began the prayer group at
St. Andrew’s in 1972. He was highly regarded for his
excellent sermons and good sense of humor.
Father Tom Moody became
pastor of St. Andrew’s in 1973. A deeply spiritual man,
Father Tom led many young people and adults to deeper prayer
and spirituality. Fr. Moody began a campaign to renovate the
Bell at St. Andrew’s in 1979. 1980 saw the arrival of Fr.
Liam O’Dougherty, who would serve as pastor until 1993.
In 1993, Father Douglas
Comstock arrived as pastor at St. Andrew’s. During his
pastorate, which ran through 2008, Father Comstock upgraded
all the properties at St. Andrew’s and Queen of Heaven, as
well as providing strong spiritual leadership for the
parishes. The parishes thrived under Father Comstock’s able
leadership. His talents were varied and many. Urban legend
says that it was a blessing from Father Comstock that led to
the successes of Funny Cide, winner of the Kentucky Derby
and Preakness in 2003. Declining numbers of priests forced
the consolidation of the Brownville and Sackets Harbor
parishes in 2008. By the time of the consolidation, Father
Comstock was highly respected by all in Sackets Harbor,
regardless of their religion.
Father Kevin O’Brien,
pastor in Brownville and Dexter in 2008, assumed
responsibilities as pastor of St. Andrew’s parish. Father
O’Brien has worked to bring the parishioners together, and
the parishioners of both parishes have responded by taking
active roles in running the parish. In 2009, Sr. Janet
Peters, a sister of Mercy, retired from “active” ministry
and took up residence in the former St. Andrew’s rectory.
Sister Janet has been active in training ministers to the
sick and homebound, leading bible studies, and guiding a
prayer group at St. Andrew’s. Sr. Janet is also active in
hospital ministry at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.
So much for retiring from “active” ministry!
The parish looks
forward to the future with hope, as we continue to do the
Lord’s work and build up his kingdom. |
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Saint Andrew's Church
107 Woosley Street
Sackets Harbor NY
Phone: (315)782-1143
Email: sacketsharborsec@rcdony.org
Pastor
Fr. Donald Robinson
Secretary
Marilynn Hibbard
Saturday Masses
IC, Brownville
4:00 PM
Sunday Masses
IC - Brownville
9:00 AM
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SA, Sackets Harbor
10:30 AM
Daily Masses
IC - Brownville
12:00 Noon on M
5:30 PM on W
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SA - Sackets Harbor
9:00 AM on T and Th
Reconciliation
SA - Sackets Harbor
First Sunday of each month after 10:30 Mass
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IC - Brownville
Saturday at 3:30
(before 4 PM Mass)
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Sundays at 8:30
(before 9 AM Mass)
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