Instead of rephrasing the history of this beautiful parish, I elected to quote their website, http://www.stmarysparkcity.com/O, that states, “St. Mary's Parish was Established in 1881. A small wood framed church was built at the top of Park Ave. The Church burned to the ground a year later. A new
St. Mary’s Old Town Chapel can be easily located with the tall limestone retaining wall and steps, on Park Avenue, that lead up to the double limestone buildings with brown roof. The one on the right is the chapel and it has a steeple with a white cross that faces the street. Entry is through double wooden doors into the foyer. There is an exquisite 3-D carving of the Last Supper on the right and a door that leads to a side room. On the left side is a door to the Sacristy, just next to church bulletins.
A Celtic cross is etched into the glass on the top of each of the wooden double doors that lead into the nave of the church. There is a holy water font on each side of the doors. The maple wooden pews are divided in two sections with a center aisle. A multi-tan tone covers the walls and highlights the maple wood trim throughout the chapel. The ceiling is white with exposed beams and trellises. Looking left along the back wall is a large glass window and door to the Sacristy. The Stations of the Cross line both side walls along with frosted pane windows. A door is halfway down the left side and leads into the next building. Further right and to the left of the alter area, is a standing hymn board and a pewter colored baptismal font. Just beyond the font is a baby grand piano, chairs and podium. The wooden alter table has standing brass candlestick holding white candles on each side. There is a lovely Summer flower arrangement in front and the presider’s and minister’s chairs are just behind of the table. A Pascal and Eternal candles are to the right of the chairs and next to the tabernacle area. Half of the wall behind the alter is covered with the same limestone that is found outside covering the walls and retaining walls.
There is a beautiful stained-glass window of St. Mary, just above the stone and behind the alter table, that brings a lovely light into the area. A gorgeously detailed statue of Mary is to the right of the altar table. Along the back wall on the left side is a stairway that leads to the balcony that is located above the entrance area.
Today was the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the White Pines’ Church which was built when the chapel became too small for the number of parishioners. After the morning Mass, there was a procession from the chapel to the White Pines Church. Leading the procession was the statue of Mary that was respectfully transported on a platform by four men and followed by so many faithful parishioners.
It was a beautiful drive through the valleys and mountains on a crisp morning. There are so many things to do in Park City that it is easy to enjoy yourself for a day away from home. The parishioners are very kind and hospitable. If you ever need a getaway, perhaps you should make your pilgrimage to Park City to attend mass and then discover the city for yourself.