History of Holyoke's Churches

Holy Cross Parish


      Holy Cross is the youngest Catholic parish in the city. It was formed February 1, 1905, by districts set off from the parishes of St. Jerome's and the Sacred Heart. The first pastor of Holy Cross, Rev. John C. Ivers, is still at the head of its affairs. He was not a stranger to Holyoke when he came to Holy Cross. He had served for eight years as assistant to Monsignor Harkins of St. Jerome's. May 4, 1905, Rev. Thomas F. Cummings was sent to him as an assistant.

Rev. J.C. Ivers
Rev. J.C. Ivers

      The parishioners of Holy Cross worshipped for one Sunday at St. Patrick's chapel. Then for six months, while their own cozy little chapel was building, they met for divine service in the Highland grammar school.
      Holy Cross Chapel was ready for occupancy October 1, 1905. It was dedicated December 10 of the same year.
      The fifteen hundred people who constituted the parish of the Holy Cross when it was formed have become 2,300. They have worked so hard for the development of their parish that they love it as men love the home which their toil provides.
      The parish grounds are said to be the finest in the diocese of Springfield. The occupy the gentle slope which extends from Dwight street on the north to Suffolk and Appleton streets on the south, where these streets rise to meet that which is aptly called Pleasant. This broad expanse of tranquil green arrests the weary eyes of passers-by and soothes them. Nor are the lawns of Holy Cross merely objects of delight to spectators. They are the play centers of the children of the neighborhood. Indeed the first public playground in our city was the lawn of Holy Cross; and some say it was the sight of happy children amusing themselves under sympathetic guidance on these grounds that gave the impulse which resulted in the present magnificent playground system in our city.


Holy Cross Church
Holy Cross Church

      But things of beauty are produced by labor, and the grounds of Holy Cross, represent much and careful effort. The original parish property was purchased twelve years ago for $30,000. There was on this a debt of $20,000 when Father Ivers assumed charge of the parish. Upon the property was the Ewing homestead. It had fallen into decay. This Father Ivers renovated and furnished as a rectory for about $7,000. The chapel and its appointments cost $18,000. The debt which greeted the young parish in the first year of its existence was $45,000. This debt was all but canceled January 1, 1911. On June 24 of that year Father Ivers purchased from the Holyoke Water Power Company, at the cost of $24,000, a piece of property adjoining the church grounds, which was necessary to complete Holy Cross square. This will be paid for within a year; and it is said that in a short time the chapel is to be enlarged to suit the needs of the growing parish.
      The people of Holy Cross say that the children own the parish, and the statement is true, if it be taken to signify that the priests of the parish endeavor to do all that their circumstances permit them to do to promote religious instruction. The younger children are taught in an efficient Sunday school, the adolescents in two Christian Doctrine classes, and there is a class of Christian Apologetics for those whose maturity and breadth of mind make it desirable that they should have a scientific knowledge of the faith that is in them.
      Religious confraternities similar to those of other parishes, the Society of the Holy Name, the Rosary Society, and the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, and the people of Holy Cross to practice their religion. Though Holy Cross is not yet complete. as a parish, the little infant who was born seven years ago has become a child, proud of his past achievements, and full of hope for the future.




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