Latham parish on the grow as it notes 75th

From the early days of prayer and worship under Rev. Michael Dwyer, through the guidance and leadership of future Archbishop Harry J. Flynn, to a recent week of spiritual renewal with its current pastor, Rev. Francis DuBois, St. Ambrose Church has been meeting the needs of worshipers.

"The spirit is obviously alive here, and my spiritual life has really awakened and deepened," said Father DuBois, pastor since 1986. "I always wanted to be here, and when the bishop asked me, I didn't hesitate."

Genesis

Bishop Gibbons had purchased land for the original church, which was located at the present site of Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, for $16,000 earlier that year. A large barn toward the back of the lot was moved forward and became a central part of the new church, which cost $10,828.

The church was named for St. Ambrose of Milan, a champion of youth and faith in the early ages. Father Dwyer celebrated the first Mass August 30, followed on Oct. 19 by the formal blessing and dedication by Bishop Gibbons.

A house for a new rectory was bought, with renovation and furnishings made possible through the benefactions of Margaret Farrell of Albany. The assembly hall property adjacent to the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home was acquired in the 1930s; it served the parish for socials, Sunday School and as a hall for overflow Mass crowds.

Marriage and priesthood

Known for his dynamic nature, lecture trips, musical technique and scholarship, Father Dwyer died in 1938 and was succeeded by Rev. Daniel Cronin. He had previously served at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany and Sacred Heart in Berlin, and founded Blessed Sacrament Church in Bolton Landing.

Father Cronin and his parishioners decided it was time for a new and larger church, and Bishop William A. Scully spread mortar on the cornerstone in October 1956 on land at 347 Old Loudon Road. A contemporary church was built to accommodate the existing congregation and the expected growth in population.

On August 18, 1957, Bishop Edward Maginn dedicated the present church, school and rectory. The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary staffed the school, where at first classes went from kindergarten to fourth grade. Another class was added each year thereafter until 1962, when the first eighth grade was graduated.

Latham had grown so much that St. Ambrose was split, leading to the formation of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in 1963.

Leadership

* Rev. William Fitzgerald, 1969-70;

* Rev. Clement Handron, 1970-76;

* Rev. William Ryan, 1976-77;

* Rev. William Walsh, 1977-81;

* Rev. Harry Flynn, 1982-86;

* Rev. Francis DuBois, 1986-present.

Father Flynn served at St. Ambrose for four years before he was named coadjutor bishop of Lafayette, Louisiana, and later archbishop of the Archdiocese of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Expansion

In 1995-96, a computer wing was added to the school and eventually was named Nelson Hall in honor of Sister Mary Catherine Nelson, PBVM, who had been a teacher and principal at St. Ambrose for 25 years. The school's current enrollment is 335 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8, and more expansion is planned to accommodate students.

Focus on teens

"It's been an answer to a prayer for me," Father DuBois said. "When I found this, I think the Holy Spirit led me. It's dynamic, centered around the Eucharist and Mass, and touches the head and heart. I never would have thought about doing this, but it's that openness to the Holy Spirit."

Rev. John Bertolucci, an internationally known speaker, became associate pastor in 1997, and "he's been a great asset and positive influence," according to Father DuBois. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and information, and I've really enjoyed his presence here."

Parish personnel also includes a pastoral manager and a business manager, which Father DuBois finds helpful in handling the many needs of his 1,850-family parish, and a parish nurse. "Every parish should have a parish nurse to take care of the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs of people," Father DuBois said.

(St. Ambrose's parishioners have celebrated their 75th anniversary with a picnic and one week of spiritual renewal; upcoming events include an Oct. 15 gala and the 75th anniversary Mass at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 19. Archbishop Flynn and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard will attend, and Rev. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, an expert on St. Ambrose, will be guest homilist. Earlier that day, he will give seminars for seniors and youth.)

(10-14-99) [[In-content Ad]]