Located about 40 minutes from downtown Salt Lake, and framed by the Wasatch Range, is the old mining town of Park City. Originally known for its mining of gold, silver and ore, Park City is now nationally recognized as an outdoor paradise. I was honored that my Pilgrim Train stopped at the oldest Catholic Church in Utah, located in Park City. It was a blessing to join in the Mass celebration at St. Mary's Old Town Chapel ∙ 121 Park Ave. ∙ Park City, UT 84060 ∙ Phone: 435-649-9676 ∙ Website: http://www.stmarysparkcity.com/ Mass is celebrated each Sunday, promptly at 8:00 A.M.
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
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
church was begun and completed in 1884, this one of stone. It became home to the miners of Parley's Park as Park City was originally known. For the miners, its prominence at the top of Park Avenue became the last bit of home they would see as they climbed to the mine entrances and descended into the earth. It was the beacon that drew them home at the end of a long day. And in times of disaster it was the gathering place for countless worried wives and families. In the early 1900's an adjacent building of stone was constructed as a school, taught by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. The school was closed during the Depression when the mines were closing and the town population waned. The parish however remained open. In the 1950's fire again struck the church. This time destroying the roof and much of the interior. The town was again in depression, the mines largely closed and the population small. It seemed the will of the bishop that the parish be closed. But strong defenders of the parish rallied, the structure was sound and the roof could be rebuilt if the bishop would permit it. The parishioners agreed that if the bishop would allow the parish to continue, they would never be a burden to him. The bishop agreed, the church was restored, the parish continued through despite the continued waning of the mining industry. In the 1960's the advent of the ski industry revitalized the town. By the end of the century the parish had grown so large, the tourists and visitors to the town had so increased that the little church could no longer serve. Yet after the construction of the new church, the Old Town Chapel… continues to serve the Old Town community. It is a precious reminder of our roots and a landmark for our town.”
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.
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.
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