Historical Overview

In 1630 Governor John Winthrop and his followers settled in Massachusetts. An area of the Bay Colony called Winnisimett was set off in 1738 and was later called Chelsea. A further division of this area in 1846 called North Chelsea included what is now Revere and Winthrop. Winthrop was set off from North Chelsea and incorporated as a town March 27 1852.

Early families that settled in Winthrop were the Winthrop, Bill, Floyd, Belcher and Tewksbury families. At one time during the eighteenth century the Town came into the entire possession of Belchers, Floyds, and Tewksburys. The census of 1840 taken at Pullen Poynte showed a population of 156, of which 142 were descendants of James Bill.

The first industry in Winthrop employing workers who were Roman Catholic was the Revere Copper Company at Point Shirley. Established by the son of Paul Revere, this company operated from 1844 until 1869. Point Shirley was designated as Church Station, and church services were given by Rev. Patrick Strain, who journeyed to Winthrop from Lynn where he was pastor.

More History of the Town of Winthrop

A Mission Parish

During the Civil War, the Rev. James Fitton, a well known and revered pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in East Boston, travelled to Winthrop twice each month by horse and carriage to Point Shirley to celebrate Mass for the Catholics who worked at the Revere Copper plant. Later a chapel was built for these workers close to the waters edge. When the Copper Works closed this chapel was floated over on a barge to East Boston.

For the next twenty years Winthrop remained a Mission Parish, with the few Catholics travelling to the Star of the Sea in East Boston for early Mass, remaining all day for Sunday School and Vespers.

In 1881 the Rev. Michael Clarke, pastor of Star of the Sea Church, made arrangements with Mr. Joseph Jessop of Winthrop to purchase land which would become the site of the first Catholic Church in Winthrop. This land is now at the corner of Winthrop and Lincoln Streets.

In 1887 the Rev. Hugh O'Donnell, the next pastor of Star of the Sea, began construction of the structure which would be the basis of the first Roman Catholic parish in Winthrop. This wooden church was dedicated under the patronage of St. John the Evangelist on June 19, 1887. At first, only the summer months saw the need for Mass. However, the church was open year-round by 1895, as a result of the growth of the population because of good railroad connections to Boston (the "Narrow Gauge Railroad" was built in 1886). Sunday School classes were held under the direction of the Sisters of Mercy of the Star of the Sea parish in East Boston during this time. Some of these classes were held in the Robicheau home on Read Street and the Boylan home on Pauline Street. During this period between 1887 and 1907, St. John's was considered a "mission" of St. Mary's, Star of the Sea, East Boston.

A Permanent Parish

Between 1890 and 1910 the town of Winthrop had a dramatic increase in population. It doubled during the 1890's and rose from 6,000 to 10,000 in the early 1900's. We can presume that many of the new people were Catholics. Saint John the Evangelist parish was made permanent on January 3, 1907 by Archbishop John J. Williams. Rev. John H. Griffin was the first pastor, well-known previously to Winthrop residents for his administration to the spiritual needs of the Catholic people of Winthrop while an assistant at the Star of the Sea Church. During his eighteen years as pastor of St. John's he proved to be a priest of great energy, vision and courage, beloved by his people.

Rev. John H. Griffin; Pastor 1907 - 1925

In 1907 Fr. Griffin completed the building of a new rectory, which still remains the parochial residence of the priests of the parish. Fr. O'Donnell, pastor of St. Mary's, East Boston had actually started the construction of the rectory before 1907.

Religious education of young people was one of the priorities of Fr. Griffin. He appointed Mr. John W. Lill as superintendent of the Sunday School. He was succeeded by Mr. Edward F. Sullivan who served in this position for 30 years. Miss Mary Manning and Miss Eda M. Cyr were two women who were actively involved in the religious instruction of girls.

In 1911 planning for a new church building began: the older wooden church was moved to the Lincoln Street side of the property, to be used as a parish hall until March 1951, when it was razed to provide space for the grammar school. Mr. T. P. Graham of Boston was employed as the architect for the new church building. Mr. Timothy J. Mahaney, a member of the parish, managed the construction. He also built the rectory and the chapel at Point Shirley. The cornerstone for a new brick church was laid in 1912. For three years Mass was celebrated in the unfinished upper auditorium until the basement was completed in 1916. The church was Romanesque in style, with signs of Spanish influence in the decoration of the interior. The windows are European antique glass depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. Because the marble for the altar and sanctuary came from Italy, the First World War delayed the construction of the interior of the church. it was dedicated on May 6, 1923 by Most Rev. Joseph Anderson, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, representing his Eminence William Cardinal O'Connell, Archbishop of Boston.

Fr. Griffin then arranged to have a chapel built at Point Shirley for the permanent residents of his mission there. This chapel was named Saint Mary's by-the-sea and was completed in 1924. It is now called "Holy Rosary Church".

It was during Father Griffin's years that the Winthrop Catholic Woman's Club was founded in 1920. The first president of the W.C.W.C. was Mrs. John E. Gilman, Jr.

Rev. John T. O'Brien; Pastor 1925 - 1931

Fr. O'Brien was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts on December 15, 1861. He studied in Nicolet, Canada, entered the College of The Holy Cross and graduated from there in 1885. He was ordained June 22, 1889 from St. John's Seminary. Fr. O'Brien was an excellent orator. He completed the few unfinished details of Fr. Griffin's work by enhancing the beauty of the church, adding a section to the rectory to provide room for the extra curates, and the final completion of the chapel at Point Shirley. He gave much attention to the children by providing for their many recreational facilities. It was during his pastorate that the Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters Court No. 287 was given its charter. Fr. O'Brien died January 25, 1931.

Rev. James A. Crowley, Pastor 1931 - 1934

   Fr. Crowley came from Saint Peter's parish in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He was a kind and gentle character, and was always deeply conscious of his priestly calling. He greatly benefited the interests of the parish by purchasing additional land where our present school is now located. During Father Crowley's years two curates were assigned here who were to serve the parish for many years; John T. Sullivan (1931 - 1953) and Norbert McInnis (1932 - 1950). Fr. Crowley died February 18, 1934.

Rev. Mark E. Madden, Pastor 1934 - 1945

Fr. Madden came to us from the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Hough's Neck, Quincy. He was a man of extreme charity and forbearance. He served the parish during the Depression years, and was always ready to extend a helping hand. He purchased additional property which the parish needed at the time, for the construction of the parochial school. His health, however, failed him, and he was removed to Saint Elizabeth's Hospital with a long illness which confined him there for six and one-half years. He never recovered from this sickness and died on July 2, 1945.

Msgr. Richard J. Quinlan, S.T.I., LLD, Pastor 1940 - 1955

While Father Madden was in the hospital, His Eminence William Cardinal O'Connell designated Msgr. Quinlan to carry on the regulation of the parish on July 17, 1940. This was a fortunate appointment because Msgr. Quinlan had been Diocesan Supervisor of the Parochial Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston.

Msgr. Quinlan began construction of the parochial school in 1950. It was complete in the Spring of 1952. The old church hall was demolished March 1951, having served as both church and hall for nearly 50 years, to make room for the new school. The school was staffed by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and dedicated on the feast day of Saint Joseph, March 19, 1951. The cornerstone was laid and blessed with inspiring ceremonies by His Excellency the Most Rev. Richard J. Cushing, D.D., Archbishop of Boston, on October 14, 1951.

The school began with three grades. Each autumn thereafter a new grade was added to the school until the first eighth grade class reached graduation in June, 1958. Sister M. Florita, C.S.J. was the first principal, followed by Sister M. Bertrille (1958 - 1965), Sister M. Maxima (1965 - 1971), Sister Eileen Hughes (1971 - 1975), Sister Virginia Kelleher (1975 - 1983), Sister Patricia McCarthy (1983 - 1987), and Sister Elaine Collins (1987 - 1990) was the last principal when the school closed in June 1990.

Msgr. Quinlan served for a time as Treasurer General of the National Catholic Education Association. From 1949 until 1954 Msgr. Quinlan was the first Roman Catholic Chaplain of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

The first ordination held in Saint John The Evangelist Parish was in 1953 when the Rev. Joseph Nolan, a Winthrop native , was ordained by Bishop Mark Carroll. Nearly 2,000 people attended the Mass.

Fr. Norbert McInnis left the parish after eighteen years to found the parish of Saint Helen's in Norwell. Fr. John T. Sullivan was moved to Sacred Heart, Weymouth, after twenty-two years in Winthrop. February 1955 saw the departure of Fr. James Carroll for Sacred Heart Parish, Groton, after over twenty-four years in our parish.

Mr. J. Herbert Sheehan served as parish organist and choir master from 1924 until 1974, giving fifty years of devoted service.

In the fall of 1953 Archbishop Cushing created the new Holy Rosary Parish at Point Shirley. Holy Rosary had been a mission church since Fr. Griffin's time, then called St. Mary's By-The-Sea. The year-round population had grown to enlarge the parish, as many of the summer visitors now stayed in Winthrop throughout the year. Rev. Edward Hart was the founding pastor of Holy Rosary.

Msgr. Aloysius R. Finn, S.T.L., Pastor 1955 - 1968

Msgr. Finn graduated from Boston College in 1911, entered St. John's Seminary and the North American College in Rome. He was ordained March 18, 1916 at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. He served as curate in Saint John the Evangelist - Swampscott, Saint Mary of the Assumption - Brookline, and Saint Mary of the Assumption - Melrose. Lastly, he served in Saint Catherine's - Somerville before called upon to construct the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Quincy, and the Convent of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Cambridge.

Saint John's Convent was enlarged to accommodate the growing staff of Sisters at the school. A beautiful addition was built under Msgr. Finn's direction, consisting of ten rooms, a chapel, and a community room. This wing was blessed and dedicated by Archbishop Cushing on December 9, 1956, and thus, in just under fifty years, the physical plant of our parish was complete.

Msgr. Finn formed the Mothers Club of Saint John's School in October 1955 to encourage parental participation in the school and to provide for extracurricular activities.

A marching group called Saint John's Missilettes was formed in 1959. In 1960 a 50-unit drum and bugle corps was formed called the Missilemen. This was followed in 1966 by the Junior drum and bugle corps, called the Missiles. All during the 1960's the parish enjoyed watching and hearing this band play and win titles on the CYO circuits and beyond.

During Monsignor Finn's pastorate the CCD program was enlarged to include homework assignments, exams, report cards. Fr. Robert Kirchmeyer was the leader of CCD at this time, with Mrs. Catherine Flynn principal of the high school religion. Prospective teachers were required to submit to intensive training in Christianity and the Principles of Teaching.

   Also at this time the Catholic Youth Organization, or CYO, presented a long series of talent shows and socials designed to involve the youth in the lighter side of parish life. Special clubs were formed for distinctive age groups. The Chi Rho Club was formed for those 18 to 26. The Beta Gamma Club was for young married adults. The Parish Council of Catholic Men and the Parish Council of Catholic Women were formed, as well as the Christian Family Movement, the Boy Scouts of America - Troop 74, and the Altar Boy Society. The Holy Name Society and the Blessed Virgin Sodality continued as long -standing parish societies.

   Fr. Richard J. Smith (1960 - 1969) supervised the Boys Club in the school gym on wintry Saturday afternoons. Fr. Paul Phinn (1963 - 1978) used his talents as a hockey referee and coach to improve the physical education program in the parochial school.

   Vatican Council of 1960 brought about many unexpected changes in the Church, when called by Pope John the Twenty-Third. The liturgical and ceremonial rites of the Church were modernized and the laity given a new participation in church operation. Cardinal Cushing requested in December 1965 that each parish in the Archdiocese sponsor lectures which would put the counciliar documents in perspective.

   The Rev. Francis T. McFarland, Secretary of the Archdiocesan Marriage Tribunal, offered five lectures early in 1967. He spoke on the recent changes in liturgy and discipline, for the sake of the spiritual formation and education of the adult laity. A special adult education department of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine was formed. In the autumn of 1967 this new group sponsored a lecture series on the Seven Sacraments, conducted by future auxiliary Bishop Daniel Hart.

   Monsignor Finn retired in June 1968 at age 81, and took up residence at Regina Cleri in the West End of Boston. He died April 8,1981.

Msgr. John J. McDevitt, Pastor 1968 - 1981

Msgr. McDevitt was ordained May 22, 1935 by Cardinal O'Connell. He received the rank of domestic prelate from Pope Paul VI in 1965. Before coming to Winthrop he served as pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Cambridge.

During Msgr. McDevitt's pastorate the first Parish Council was elected in order to improve communications between clergy, parishioners, and community. Seminars were conducted on the changes taking place in the Mass, understanding ecumenism and Bible study.

During the late 1960's Father William Bene, a curate of this parish, began a rehabilitation center for youth known as "Another Way" in a storefront on Winthrop Street near Metcalf Square. He served as coordinator until he was assigned to Saint Hugh's, Roxbury, in October 1971.

Fr. Stephen Brennick came in 1972. He played an important role in the continuing effort to raise funds for parish expenses. He helped organize Bingo. Fr. Richard Shea, S.J. came to Winthrop from Boston College, helping on weekends and teaching CCD classes. After the departure of Fr. Paul Phinn in 1978, the parish welcomed Fr. Michael Higgins as Associate Pastor. He soon assumed an active role in the religious education of the children, assisting with CCD and celebrating a special children's liturgy each Sunday. Fr. Higgins went to Saint Florence Parish in Wakefield on June 26, 1990.

Some of the lay -coordinators of CCD during these years included Helen Guzzi, Michelle Perigard-McEarchern, and Dennis Demes.

The Winthrop Catholic Bible League, organized in 1976, met weekly in private homes to study and discuss the Bible.

Rev. William H. Morgan, Pastor 1981 - 1986

Father Morgan was ordained in 1950. he was assigned as administrator of Saint John the Evangelist Church in Canton for sixteen years, building that church. He served at Saint Paul's in Hingham for one and a half years, and was spiritual director of the Cursillo Movement for the Archdiocese of Boston for five years. He was administrator of Holy Trinity Church in South Boston for one and a half years; he was then assigned to a team ministry at Saint Francis of Assissi, Medford.

Fr. Morgan encouraged and helped bring about the following:

Personnel during Fr. Morgan's Pastorate:

Mr. James T. Roan , Music Director; Sr. Virginia Kelleher, C.S.J, the School Principal, and was also in charge of the Genesis program. In June 1982, Sr. Patricia McCarthy, C.S.J. became the new School Principal. Involved with Religious education were Mr. Joseph C. McEachern, Sr. Elaine Collins, C.S.J., Michelle Perigard McEachern, and Carol L. Pepi. Rev. John Coyne was Associate Pastor in 1983 and 1984. Miss Ann Carver became Religious Education Coordinator in 1983. The new Associate Pastor was Fr. John Sassani appointed in 1984. A new technical assistant at this time was Rev. James R. Power. Sr. Marie Killilea, C.S.J. became Parish Secretary in November 1984. Secretary of Temporal Affairs continued to be Mr. Elmer F. Whelan. In December 1984, Mr. Paul F. Russell, a seminarian ended his two years of pastoral practice here to go to Bolivia, South America.

Parish renewal week was designated as October 19 - 25. Chairman Paul Roy and his committee planned to raise the consciousness of parishioners as to the exciting possibilities of a spiritual and environmental renewal of Saint John the Evangelist Parish. Father Morgan invited Father Richard Stephan Vosko, a priest of the Diocese of Albany, New York, to lead the parish in a renewal process. Father Vosko was past director of the Liturgy Center in Albany and a member of the North American Academy of Liturgy.

The topics spoken about during the renewal week sessions included: Our Roots and History; Christian Initiation: made not born; You Have the Power to Forgive and Heal; The Life and Death of Jesus Christ - It Is Your Mystery; The Future of Saint John's: What Are Your Dreams?

Following these lectures, Father Vosko gave a seminar of Adult Education called "The Development of Art and Architecture in the History of the Church". Slides were shown of the history and current teaching of the Church regarding environment and art in Catholic worship. Father Vosko wished to give an idea of how a place of worship could look according to the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. An overview was given to show the possibilities of more efficient use of all of the church properties at Saint John's, in order to promote proper maintenance, hospitable surroundings, and constructive planning.

The next step in the Renewal Process was a questionnaire sent to all the parish on the topics of the use of church properties and forms of liturgy. These were analyzed in the light of the Church's teaching, and will be included in a report which should help to make decisions concerning renewal of the parish environmentally and spiritually.

In June 1986 Renovation was begun on the Church windows, stone work, tower and gutters, using $165,000 left by Monsignor McDevitt.

In July 1986 the Parish Finance Council was established with three members.

Also, a Commission for the Handicapped was begun August 1986.

In September the new sound system was installed for $5,655 from the Renovation Fund.

On November 11, 1986 Father Morgan announced his departure to Saint Thomas More Parish in Braintree, as Moderator of Team Ministry.

Rev. Paul Sullivan, Pastor 1987 - 1999

Father Sullivan was born in Watertown, Massachusetts October 16, 1937. He attended school in Watertown at Saint Patrick's, Cardinal O'Connell and Saint John Seminaries. He was ordained in February 1963. His previous parishes were: Saint Augustine's in South Boston, Saint Cecilia's in Ashland, and Saint Michael's in Lowell.

Parish Staff and Personnel 1987 - 1999

Priests not assigned but helping out:

Sisters of Saint Joseph serving our parish during these years

In charge of religious education programs:

Parish Council Presidents:

When the Parish Council became a Pastoral Parish Council in 1989, in accordance with the new Archdiocesan guidelines, George Durfee became the vice-chairperson. (The pastor is the official chairperson.) In 1997 Frank Ardagna was the vice-chairperson

Other Staff Members:

Some Parish Programs and Activities From 1987 - 1997

In September of 1987 a new parish census was undertaken. Census forms were mailed out to all who lived in the town. About 1500 Catholic families responded. These were put on computer (Apple IIe and later in the 1990's transferred to a Mac LC II). A renewal form to update this census was sent out about every three years.

Ecumenical interfaith services continued to be held each year. At Thanksgiving they were held in one of the churches or synagogue and at Easter by the ocean on Shore Drive.

The Parish Appreciation Banquet in May for those actively involved in parish life and the Block Party in the Fall became annual events.

Parish Staff Meetings were held every two weeks; Parish Council Meetings (later known as Pastoral Parish Councils) once a month. The Liturgical Committee met regularly to improve our sacramental celebrations. The Buildings and Property Committee concerned themselves with the care of the parish property. Until 1991 a team of lay people conducted an annual Marriage Preparation Program. The Saint Vincent de Paul Society met once a month and sought to meet the needs of the poor of the parish.

Rev. Charles E. Bourke, Pastor 1999 - Present

Father Charles E. Bourke, son of the late Charles and Anna Bourke, was born October 25, 1944 in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated from Catholic Memorial High School, West Roxbury, Ma. in 1962. At St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, Massachusetts. he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy in 1966 and a Master of Divinity Degree in 1969. He was a deacon at St. Mary’s, Lynn, Massachusetts, and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Boston on May 23, 1970. He served four years as associate pastor of St. Catherine’s Parish, Somerville, Massachusetts.

In 1968, while a seminarian, Father Bourke completed Chaplains School in Newport, Rhode Island, and was affiliated with several reserve units until reporting to active duty at Navy Hospital, San Diego in June 1974. While assigned to the hospital, he was awarded a Master of Science Degree in Marriage, Child and Family Counseling from LaVerne University. In 1976, he was assigned as Battalion Chaplain with First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, Okinawa.

Upon completion of his three-year tour, Father Bourke returned to Boston as Dean of Students at St. John’s Seminary and remained active in the Naval Reserve as Training Officer, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of a chaplain’s unit. From 1981 to 1982, he was associate pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.

In 1982, he returned to active duty as a squadron chaplain with Commander Destroyer Squadron Six, homeported in Charleston, South Carolina. Subsequent tours followed at Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Sicily; Naval Chaplains School, Newport, Rhode Island as Basic Course Officer; Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego as Assistant Force Chaplain; Director, Distribution and Placement Division, Chief of Chaplains Office, Washington, D.C.; Director Naval Chaplains School, Newport, Rhode Island. Father Bourke retired from the Navy with the rank of Captain on October 1, 1998. In February, 1999 he was appointed pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Winthrop.

Father Bourke’s military awards include two Legion of Merit Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Naval Reserve Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon.