History of Holyoke's Churches

St. Rose de Lima Church (Aldenville)


Rev. J.A. Fredette
Rev. J.A. Fredette

      The beginnings of the church at Aldenville were coincident with those at Willimansett, which have been already noted. It was on September 12,, 1897, that Rev. Father Hamelin was made resident pastor at Willimansett, and very shortly after that plans were drawn for a chapel at Aldenville by G.P.B. Alderman of Holyoke. The chapel was soon after erected--a wooden building, 42x70, with a seating capacity of 300, and so built that it can be turned into a school building if later a larger church should come to be built. This was dedicated by Bishop T.D. Beaven of Springfield, October 20 of the following year. The sermon was preached on that occasion by Rev. Owen McGee. There were reckoned at that time to be 400 in the parish, which sine then has largely increased. The first resident pastor, who is yet in charge of the Aldenville flock is Rev. J.A. Fredette, who was appointed December 8, 1909. It is interesting also to note that the parish has increased from 400 to 1,150 since 1898. The increasing prosperity of Holyoke and Chicopee make certain further increases in the next few years and a larger church will, without doubt, be soon erected in this thriving community.


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