St. Augustine Parish

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Andover's first Catholic chapel, St. Augustine's, was built on Central Street in 1852. By 1879, the Catholic congregation needed larger spaces and an Essex Street property was purchased. On Sunday August 31, 1879, a cornerstone was laid for a new building on the Essex Street site. [1] On November 8, 1894, a fire burned the wooden building on Essex Street where the congration worshipped. [2] [3] On August 18, 1895, the cornerstone for a new gothic-style brick church was laid. [4] The cornerstone for St. Augustine's School was laid Sunday September 23, 1917 and the school was dedicated on Sunday September 8, 2018. [5] [6] The parish observed it's diamond jubilee in August 1927. [7]

Controversy arose in 2004 when Rev. William M. Cleary asked state Rep. Barbara L'Italien to step down as cantor because of her position on abortion. [8] In 2019, Fr. Peter Gori, OSA was placed on administrative leave after abuse allegations emerged regarding a minor who was allegedly sexually abused in the 1990s. [9] [10] In March 2020, Fr. Gori returned to active ministry having been cleared of the allegation. [11] [12]

REFERENCES

  1. ↑ Imposing Services at St. Augustines, Lawrence American and Andover Advertiser, September 5, 1879.
  2. ↑ Charred portions standing, "The Evening Tribune, November 8, 1894.
  3. ↑ Andover Church on fire, The Boston Globe, November 8, 1894.
  4. ↑ St. Augustine's cornerstone, The Evening Tribune, August 19, 1895.
  5. ↑ Cornerstone laid Sunday, The Evening Tribune, September 24, 1917.
  6. ↑ St. Augustine Parish School is dedicated, The Evening Tribune, September 9, 1918, p.9.
  7. ↑ Saint Augustine's church will observe its diamond jubilee with impressive services, The Evening Tribune, August 24, 1927.
  8. ↑ Faith, politics collide again L'Italien controversy reminiscent of past conflict, The Boston Globe, December, 19, 2004.
  9. ↑ Father Peter Gori placed on leave after abuse allegation, The Boston Pilot, April 12, 2019.
  10. ↑ Andover church pastor on leave amid abuse allegation, The Boston Globe, April 10, 2019.
  11. ↑ Father Peter Gori cleared of abuse allegation, reinstated, The Boston Pilot, March 30, 2020.
  12. ↑ Allegation unfounded priest returns, The Boston Globe, March 31, 2020.

See Also

  • "St. Augustine forum votes Law should leave," Andover Townsman, March 28, 2002, p. 7.
  • "Settling in: Father Bill Cleary, new pastor of Saint Augustine Church, feeling welcome," Andover Townsman, July 15, 2004.
  • "Flock divided over pastor's stance," Eagle Tribune, November 18, 2004, p. 1.
  • "Pastor asks pro-choice legislator to stop cantoring," Andover Townsman, November 18, 2004, p. 1.
  • "Separation anxiety," Eagle Tribune, November 21, 2004, p. B1.
  • "L'Italien says church work in her future," Eagle Tribune, December 3, 2004, p. 11.
  • "St. Augustine's Church breaks ground on new education center," Eagle Tribune, June 12, 2005, p. C1.
  • "Return to St. Augustine: The Rev. Peter Gori back to lead Catholic parish," Andover Townsman, March 5, 2009, p. 9.
  • Celebration of the dedication of St. Augustine Chuch Andover, MA : May 6, 1900-May 6, 2000, pamphlet in the Andover Room vertical files
  • St. Augustine's Parish 100th Anniversary Book (hard copy in the Andover Room)



--Stephanie (talk) 13:03, 30 January 2024 (EST)
--Kim 19:53, August 22, 2013 (EDT)

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