St. Mary, Church of the Assumption

st. mary’s parish was established in 1870 and was known as assumption parish. the cornerstone for the first church, which was located at 6th street and washington avenue, was laid on july 24, 1870. although the church was not completed, services began to be held there in 1872. the church was completed and dedicated on march 3, 1873. it was two stories high, with one room on each floor that measure 15 by 18 feet in diameter. the church was on the first floor and the second floor would later be completed to provide living quarters for the priest. as the parish grew, more space was needed so in january 1880 property was purchased at ninth street and washington avenue and the second church, a small brick building fronting on ninth street was built. on april 8, 1883, the cornerstone for the third church was laid. this church faced washington at the corner of washington and ninth street. it was completed and dedicated in 1886. the bell for the church was purchased in france and donated to th