RUMFORD – A century ago, the cornerstone of the massive stone, granite and brick church now known as St. Athanasius and St. John, was laid on a hill above the town.
For the past year, the church’s membership has been celebrating its centennial anniversary, and on Sunday, the final event takes place.
Bishop Richard Malone of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland will be the main celebrant, accompanied by the local church’s pastor, the Rev. Angelo Levasseur, Sunday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Several former priests who had served the church are expected to attend, along with at least two dozen sisters from the three orders that once served the church or the parochial school. Nuns from the Sisters of St. Chretien based in Massachusetts, the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation of Mary of Portland, are expected to attend the service, then visit with congregants at a reception set to follow the service.
Although the cornerstone was laid 100 years ago, it took 21 years for the church to be completed. The hard work and money from the members were crucial to the church’s completion.
Many families helped.
Two sons from one of those families, the Boivins, will offer a history of the church during part of the Mass. Eugene and Arthur Boivin’s grandfather was among those to build the church, said Centenary Committee Chairwoman Doris Bourret.
The service will begin with an honor guard from the Knights of Columbus. A choir of at least 25 voices, accompanied by organist Mark Belanger, will present special music.
Bourret said civic leaders from throughout the region have been invited, as have businesses with whom the church has done business over the years.
The church serves about 800 families.
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