The History of St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish
The Catholic story in Skaneateles reaches back to the 17th century, when French Jesuit missionaries—among them Father Charlevoix—traveled through the region and celebrated the first known Masses. Father Charlevoix even mapped Skaneateles Lake with remarkable accuracy, centuries before the village would take shape.
It wasn’t until 1849 that the first recorded Catholic Mass in Skaneateles was celebrated by Rev. Michael Hess in the home of Patrick McCormick, attended by about ten people. By 1852, Skaneateles had become one of several out missions of the parish in Camillus. Father William McCallion celebrated Mass every fourth Sunday at the home of John McGinnis, the Mayor of Skaneateles.
The First Church (1855)
In 1852, Father McCallion purchased land from Charles and Elizabeth Pardee for a new church. The first St. Mary’s Church was built and dedicated on September 7, 1856, by Bishop John McCloskey of Albany. Parishioners contributed much of the labor and materials, keeping the cost to only $2,500. Sadly, this original wooden structure was destroyed by fire on August 26, 1866.
The Second Church (1867)
Following the fire, Rev. Francis J. Purcell led efforts to rebuild. Appointed the first resident pastor of Skaneateles in 1867, he oversaw the construction of a beautiful brick church, dedicated on June 30, 1867, at a cost of $12,000. A year later, he established St. Mary’s Cemetery on Jordan Road. To serve Catholics in Skaneateles Falls, he also founded St. Bridget’s Mission Church in 1874.
The Third (and Present) Church (1927)
After decades of faithful ministry, the second church was lost to another fire in February 1926 under Rev. D. Francis Curtin. Masses were temporarily celebrated in the Huxford Theatre while a new church was constructed. With the support of parishioners and the wider community, the third and current St. Mary’s Church was dedicated on Memorial Day 1927. Built in the English Country Gothic style, it features a richly crafted oak ceiling, truss work, and stunning stained glass windows from F. Mayer Studios of Munich and New York.
Growth and Renewal
From 1937 to 1962, Rev. Marshall A. McMahon served as pastor, followed by Rev. Robert J. Casey, who guided the parish through the transformative years of the Second Vatican Council. During his tenure, the Parish Center was constructed, providing new space for ministry and fellowship.
In the years that followed, St. Mary’s continued to grow in both faith and service. Deacon James Chappell joined the staff in 1977, later ordained in 1981. Rev. John Ziegler, appointed pastor in 1981, oversaw significant liturgical renovations, including a new Reconciliation Room and sanctuary redesign aligned with post-Vatican II reforms. Under his leadership, St. Mary’s also entered a twinning relationship with St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Syracuse, fostering prayerful partnership and shared outreach.
Continuing the Mission
Over the decades, new leaders continued to shepherd the parish:
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Rev. John Morse (1986–1989) emphasized youth and outreach ministries.
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Rev. Raymond Wood (1990–1995) expanded classroom space, renovated Marian Hall, and oversaw cemetery expansion.
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Rev. Thomas J. McGrath (1995–2010) guided a major period of renewal, including the construction of the Holy Family Pastoral Center, dedicated by Bishop James Moynihan in 2004.
After Rev. Darr Schoenhofen briefly served as pastor (2010–2012), Father McGrath returned as Administrator. In 2023, we joyfully welcomed Father Brian as our current pastor.
St. Mary’s Today
Today, St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish serves approximately 1,200 families from Skaneateles, Skaneateles Falls, and the surrounding area. More than 250 students participate in our Faith Formation programs, carrying forward the legacy of faith, service, and community that began nearly two centuries ago.
From its earliest days as a mission church to the vibrant parish it is today, St. Mary’s of the Lake continues to be a place where faith is celebrated, families are formed, and Christ’s presence is shared with joy.