150 YEARS IN COOPERSTOWN

ON SEPT. 10, St. Mary's parish in Cooperstown marked the sesquicentennial -- the 150th anniversary -- of the building of its church. The circa-1867 church was erected on land from then-Bishop John Conroy of Albany, and is often referred to as "Our Lady of the Lake" for its proximity to Otsego Lake.

Edna Chase of St. Mary's parish council noted that the church's exterior is virtually unchanged since its construction, aside from adding a steeple and belfry in 1881. The interior of St. Mary's has been updated over the years with confessionals, a communion rail (later removed), 10 hand-painted Tyrolese windows, a "Mary window" in the rear of the church made more visible and air-conditioning and security cameras installed.

Here, the anniversary is celebrated with an outdoor Mass on the church lawn and children shower Rev. John Rosson, pastor, with bubbles after the Mass. For more photos, see The Evangelist's print edition. (Nate Whitchurch photos)[[In-content Ad]]