The Catholic community of Dover, New Hampshire has a long and rich history, a legacy of faithful men and women who strengthened their beliefs in coming together to celebrate the Eucharist.  As early as 1826 a small Catholic community came together to celebrate Mass with Father Virgil Barber in the old Court House.

The members of the first Catholic community were nearly all of Irish descent, and came from County Armagh, Ireland.  These skilled workers were urgently needed for the growing textile industry in the city.  These Irish immigrants came to Dover to seek a better life for themselves and their families.  Their desire to improve the quality of their lives was secondary to their primary commitment to living their Catholic faith, which was always centered around the celebration of the Eucharist.  Sunday Mass was so important to them that they were willing to forego their economic improvement if they could not have a Church in which to celebrate weekly Mass.

Many of the ladies had given their notice to the Superintendent of their intention to leave their jobs. Thus, with the help of Mr. John B. Stevens and Cocheco Mills, ground was broken for a Catholic Church in April 1828, and the consecration service took place on September 28, 1830.  Our first Church building was named St. Aloysius.  

On Halloween night 1870, a fire in the shoe shop adjacent to parish property destroyed the Church and rectory.  A new Church building was completed and dedicated by Bishop Bacon in 1872, and our new edifice was placed under the protection of Our Blessed Mother; the parish became known as St. Mary’s Church.

 St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dover is the oldest continuous Catholic parish in the State of New Hampshire.  The Catholic faith of thousands of men, women and children have been nourished by the sacramental life of the parish as well as a diversified ministry aiding its parish members with faith and good deeds to meet their spiritual and temporal needs.  Each generation has contributed of their time, talent and treasure to maintain a strong Catholic community.  Our ancestors: parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, have left us a wonderful legacy of faith in the Risen Christ, as well as a rich treasure of many good deeds for the people of Dover.

The challenge today is no less demanding as we seek to inspire our children with faith in our loving, caring God that will be manifest in our celebration of the Eucharist, and in many good deeds of spiritual works of mercy and charity.