Historic St. Mary's On The Hill, Lancaster New York
Established 1850

The parish of St. Mary of the Assumption has one of the longest histories of any Roman Catholic Church in Western New York. Before there was a Diocese of Buffalo, there was a Catholic Community in Lancaster! The beginnings of St. Mary's are traced to the European settlement of the area in the early 1800's. Priests from St. Louis Church in Buffalo journeyed to Lancaster to minister to settlers from Alsace and Lorraine.

In 1834 the "Catholic Society of Lancaster" purchased 2 acres of land on what came to be known as "St. Mary's Hill". From 1837 until 1840, St. John Newman (the first American male citizen to be canonized a saint) came from Williamsville to celebrate Mass and minister the Sacraments. He built the first church on this site, and established the parish school. Following the foundation of the Diocese of Buffalo in 1847, Bishop John Timon established the parish of St. Mary of the Assumption on 28 July 1850, and the first brick church building was constructed. In 1864, a rectory was built. Now known as the "Hassler House", this building still stands on the north side of the church and is used for various meetings and activities.

In 1874 a school building and convent were constructed. The Daughters of the Heart of Mary staffed the school from 1874 until 1898. The Sisters of St. Francis from Williamsville then came to the school, and to this day there are "Mill Street Franciscans" on the faculty.

In 1890 the church building was enlarged, and the church, altar and tower bells were solemnly consecrated by Bishop Stephen Vincent Ryan. In 1904 a new school building was constructed, and instruction was provided through high school. St. Mary's thus became the first parish high school to be established in the United States.

The present rectory was constructed in 1908, and continues as the residence of the parish priests, as well as the location of the parish offices. 1932 brought a major renovation of the church, and in 1936, the stained glass windows, made in Innsbruck Austria, were installed.

In 1955, the administration of St. Mary's High School was transferred to the diocese, and the school was moved to new facilities on Laverack Avenue. Even with the availability of more space in the building, St. Mary's Elementary was outgrowing the 1874 building, and a new school was built at the corner of Aurora and St., Joseph Streets in 1958. Today, this building continues to house the school. Yet history is repeating itself, and we find ourselves using every available space to accommodate the school, the religious education program, and our many parish activities!

A renovation of the interior of the church was completed in 1987, giving us the present marble altar and ambo, as well as a uniquely designed baptistry which incorporates a pool suitable for baptisms by immersion.

In St. Mary's long history, a significant number of parishioners have been ordained to the priesthood or entered the vowed religious life. More than 50 women have entered religious communities, and some 52 men have become priests!

As we conclude the 20th century, we look forward to the celebration of our 150th anniversary. May God continue to bless our parish and our community.