LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS
1930-1950
Rev. Msgr. George J. Schmitt, Pastor

   Seeds of growth, if properly nourished, will produce a healthy, abundant environment. Thus was the case in the southeast corner of the City of Rochester during the early part of the 20th century. Following World War I, the city began to expand and many people found the pleasant surroundings and fertile farmlands of this are an appealing location to establish roots and begin families.

   As the Mt. Hope-South Avenue area began to blossom with neatly arranged tree-lined streets, Bishop Francis O'Hern, third Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester, became concerned for the need of another Catholic Church in the area. Catholic families from the newly developed neighborhood were dividing themselves between St. Mary, St. Boniface, and Blessed Sacrament Parishes. The heavy influx of families into this new neighborhood and surrounding farmlands created a definite need for a new parish.

   Serving as an assistant pastor at Saint Boniface Church was a young, energetic priest, Father George Schmitt, a native of Rochester. Bishop O'Hern felt that Father Schmitt knew the neighborhood well enough to approach him about the possibility of establishing a church. Early in the year of 1929, Bishop O'Hern asked him to make a study of the Catholic population in the area, and if there was a need for a parish, to take formal steps to establish it.

   During the summer of 1929, Father Schmitt took a census of the area, finding the people to be mostly of German and Irish origin. This first census revealed 170 Catholic families in the parish. Many of the people in the area were employees of nearby institutions.

   In October of 1929, the Diocese of Rochester purchased a plot of three and one half acres from Mrs. Isabel Cook for $13,450. This property included the north side of Brighton Park between Mt. Hope Avenue and East Henrietta Road with about 100 feet facing on Mt. Hope and E. Henrietta Road. With property assured, the young priest became eager to get the new parish underway. Engaging the services of Seraphin Schwartz, Architect and Builder, Father Schmitt's hopes and dreams became a reality when ground was broken on November 19, 1929 for a simple one story wood frame church facing Brighton Park. Parishioners held their first meeting in the old No. 49 School across from the church property on Tuesday evening, December 3, 1929 and quickly began making plans for financial support of their new church. It was decided to hold a Fair in the church before the pews and altars were installed. The first meeting of the Fair Committee was held in Ben Spiege's Hotel on Mt. Hope Avenue (where Wegman's once stood) on Sunday, December 15, 1929 and the Fair itself was held on January 24 & 25, 1930. The bitter winds and snows of January did not dampen the spirits of the 1,400 people who came to share the abundant food, joyful music and games of chance.

   The Fair was a huge success and netted over $6,500 for the newest parish in the Diocese--an amazing feat, considering our country was in the midst of the Great Depression.

   Saint Anne Church was formally dedicated on Sunday, February 9, 1930 at 10:00 AM, by Bishop Francis O'Hern, assisted by Monsignor Boppel, pastor of neighboring Saint Boniface and Fathers Emil Gefell, Eugene Golding, Theodore Winterroth, Charles Reynolds, Albert Geiger and William Naughton. Father Naughton would return to Saint Anne some twenty years later to serve as its second pastor. Father Schmitt sang the Mass assisted by the Choir of Saint Boniface Church. It was truly an awe-inspiring event to see the new church overflowing with its proud parishioners who had worked so hard to see it become a reality. These early pioneers of Saint Anne established it with strong firm roots, and an unfailing trust in God.

   Saint Anne Parish quickly became a beehive of spiritual and social activity. During Mass on Sunday, the crisp, clear voices of the recently formed choir filled the church with the beautiful sound of Latin hymns. On June 15, 1930, eighteen children became the first class to receive their First Holy Communion in the church and in the following month of July, the first Solemn Novena in honor of Saint Anne was held. It can truly be said that the Novena to Saint Anne is one of the oldest and most revered traditions in the history of our parish, continued annually during the month of July right to the present time. The spiritual chain of events for the new parish came to a glorious closing that first year with the celebration of the first Midnight Mass on Christmas.

   Brighton Park, which up to that time, was only a dirt road, or "a mud hole" as the early parishioners aptly put it, was improved in June 1931. A gala Street Dance was held July 29, 1931 to celebrate the event and the freshly paved road served to enhance the appearance of the fledgling parish. During that same year, construction of the first rectory was begun and it was ready for occupancy and Open House by the end of November. The two story, white frame house was built next to the church and faced Brighton Park. Parishioners arrived at the Open House of the rectory laden with canned goods and home baked items with them to stock the kitchen cupboards.

   Realizing the importance of religious instruction for the children, Father Schmitt quickly set about on another course of action. After all, in years to come these young children would be the backbone of the parish and their early associations with Saint Anne would make a lasting impression. Lacking school or hall facilities, arrangements were made to teach the public school children on a weekly Released Time Schedule. Fifty children from the Town Line School were taught at that school, and another forty children from the Ballantine School gathered weekly with Father Schmitt in a nearby home. The children from Public School 49, numbering seventy-five in all, received their instructions in the church and, after 1934, in the Annex behind the church. As busy as he was with the daily activities of the parish, the pastor would continue this weekly instruction of the children for the next twenty years until the school was built.

   The First Holy Mission at Saint Anne opened on March 6, 1932 and was conducted by the Reverence Vincent Connor, C.P. In typical Rochester fashion, a violent snow storm accompanied the Mission but the eagerness of the parishioners to form a solid Christian Community did not keep them away. By this time there were now three Masses on Sunday instead of the usual two and Bishop O'Hern administered the Sacrament of Confirmation for the first time on Thursday evening, October 27, 1932 to a class of seventy-three children and sixteen adults. How elated Father Schmitt was to see such a spiritual growth within the neighborhood.

   During the winter of 1933--34, Father Schmitt became increasingly aware of the need for a social hall within the parish. His parishioners worked so hard for the financial and spiritual growth of the Church and he wanted a place to gather his flock for socializing. Parish support organizations were already beginning to form. The Saint Anne Guild met for the first time on March 7, 1933 but they were limited to a small group because they had to meet in homes.

   Plans for a meeting hall were quickly drawn up and construction began in February 1934. By the spring of that year, Saint Anne was sporting a new hall built behind the church and adjoining it. In time it would be referred to as the Church Annex. The first function in the new hall was the communion Breakfast of the University of Rochester Newman Community. However, the hall was formally opened for the parishioners with a chicken supper on June 6, 1934 in commemoration of the twentieth Anniversary of Father Schmitt's ordination to the priesthood. And a grand occasion it was! The men and women of the parish outdid themselves with the preparation of a delicious dinner and festivities that followed were enjoyed by a total of 515 people.

   During their years at Saint Boniface, Father Schmitt and many of Saint Anne parishioners were actively involved in the Saint Boniface Footlight Club, a budding theatrical group. For several years, the two parishes combined their talents and produced many fine plays and minstrel shows, much to the delight and enjoyment of the audiences. Saint Anne went on to form their own group, the Saint Anne Theater Guild, holding their plays in the new church hall and, in later years, the school auditorium. They never seemed to fail in bringing out the people or providing top rate entertainment. The Footlight Players have once again come back to life at Saint Anne Church.

    By 1934. the Saint Anne Church Bulletin was being published four times a year, containing many fine articles on church doctrine, a "Collection of Laughs" corner, individual contributions to the Church, and notices about pew rentals for families. The Holy Name Society began its organization in February of 1935 with 110 men. This organization of men would continue to flourish at Saint Anne for many years, contributing greatly to the spiritual and social growth of the parish. Around this same time, the Legion of Mary, a new and valuable apostolate within the Diocese of Rochester, came into being at Saint Anne. Their strictly disciplined program of prayer and apostolic works had a profound effect on the parish.

   The Wayside Shrine, which has served to inspire a moment's prayer from countless motorists traveling busy Mt. Hope Avenue, was placed and blessed on June 14, 1936. Even today it seems to herald the arrival of spring with its vibrant array of flowers appearing even before the last snow bank has disappeared.

   To relieve Father Schmitt of the growing burden and responsibility of covering the hospitals within the parish boundaries, Strong Memorial, the Municipal and the Monroe County Hospitals, Father Gregory Dugan was assigned in June 1937 to act as chaplain of these institutions while living in the rectory and giving weekend assistance to the pastor. When Father Dugan left in 1942 to become chaplain of Auburn Prison, he was succeeded by Father Raymond Heisel who was, in turn, succeeded by Father John Merklinger in June of 1943.

   While the Depression years and those succeeding them severely hampered Father Schmitt's hopes of establishing a school as quickly as possible, the arrival of World War II had an even more devastating effect on any possibility of a parochial school. Shortage of building materials and man-power brought building construction of any type to a virtual standstill. The school would have to wait. A world war was being fought and Saint Anne Church was sending their share of young men away to the fronts.

   As if the hardships of war were not enough, tragedy struck closer to home. On March 27, 1944, the interior of the church caught fire and within half an hour the church was gutted, causing over $10,000 damage. The Blessed Sacrament was carried from the flame and heat blackened tabernacle by Father Schmitt after heavy water lines laid by a dozen fire companies cut a path through intense heat and smoke. Father Schmitt had been in the rectory when a breathless youngster pounded on the door and shouted that the church was on fire. The insulation of the church, which apparently had "bottled in" the fire until long after its start was a factor in preventing destruction of a major part of the building's shell.

   With the usual enthusiastic support of his parishioners, Father Schmitt began that evening to make plans for the restoration of the church. Sunday and daily Masses were celebrated in the church hall, which had been miraculously spared of damage. Within six months, the church was rebuilt and on October 15, 1944 the first Mass was offered in the new interior.

   As the war came to an end and life styles returned to normal, thoughts once again turned to the building of a parish school. A bond drive was begun in November of 1945 and a total of $27,000 was pledged. Work on the new school began October 30, 1947 with Father Schmitt throwing the first shovel of dirt. Frank Quinlan was the architect and Maggio Brothers were the general contractors.

   The steam shovels had hardly ceased their chugging, and the hammers their pounding, when the $250,000 one story building, consisting of eight classrooms and an auditorium was formally dedicated by Bishop James Kearney on Sunday, January 30, 1949. The ceremonies were attended by upwards of 300 parents, teachers, religious leaders and pupils.

   The following Tuesday, February 1, Saint Anne School, with six grades and a kindergarten, opened its doors to approximately 200 students. Sisters of St. Joseph staffed the school and the first principal was Sister Martina Marie. Many of our parish students transferred from Saint Boniface and those children that were attending School 49 were escorted by Father Schmitt from that school to the doors of Saint Anne School in a procession that was characterized by festiveness and eager anticipation. The following September was the school opening with a full eight grades and a kindergarten to a total of 302 students.

   In June of 1950, Father Schmitt was transferred to Holy Family Church in Rochester where he served as pastor until his retirement in 1966. It was with deep regret and a great respect, that the people of Saint Anne sent him on his way. Father Schmitt's love for his parishioners, a flare for fun and theatrics, and his refusal to be disheartened had forever endeared him to the people of Saint Anne. He had served the parish for twenty years, watching it grow from a small mission parish into one of the leading parishes of the city.

COMPLETING THE STRUCTURES
1950-1972
Rev. Msgr. William J. Naughton, Pastor

   Succeeding Father Schmitt was the very capable Reverend William J. Naughton, who came to us after serving as pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Elmira, New York for five years. Father Naughton was ordained in 1927 and began his priesthood serving as assistant pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Rochester. During the difficult was years, he served as Procurator of Saint Bernard Seminary, providing for the maintenance, upkeep and food supply to the Seminary on Lake Avenue.

   Soft spoken and thorough in his way, Father Naughton immediately began the completion of the Saint Anne physical plant. This task would occupy his time over the next eight years and become possible through the very generous financial support of the people.

   Father Paul Cuddy also arrived in the summer of 1950 to assist Father Naughton. Although only here from August 1950 until June of 1951, Father Cuddy was missed by many when he left to become Spiritual Director of Saint Andrew Seminary. His successor, Father John B. Kleintjes, a former Navy Chaplain came to us from Saint Mary Church in Canandaigua.

   In January 1951, the facilities at 191 East Henrietta Road were purchased. The large barn and eight room private dwelling were converted into a convent for our teaching sisters. Until the convent was completed, the Sisters commuted daily from the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in a drafty station wagon, regardless of weather conditions. In late September of 1951, ten delighted and deserving nuns moved into the new convent of Saint Anne Parish. They had just begun the school year with a total enrollment of 424 students.

   In order to reduce parish indebtedness and begin plans for a new rectory, a fund campaign was held early in 1952. Parishioners once again rallied support and reached 125% of the campaign goal. This made possible the construction of a permanent rectory-administration building. The modern, colonial style structure facing Mt. Hope Avenue, was begun in November 1952 and Father Naughton and the assistant pastors moved in on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1953.

   Sister Martina Marie, who had served our parish school faithfully as principal since its doors first opened, was succeeded in 1953 by Sister St. James and in 1954 by Sister Mariel. With the increased number of parishioners and patients to serve in surrounding institutions, Saint Anne Parish received a second assistant in June of 1954--a newly ordained Father John Hempel.

   By 1955, when Saint Anne Church celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary as a parish, there were 570 families enrolled and 465 children attending the school. The Holy Name Society and the Altar & Rosary Society were renowned for their zeal in serving the parish. Parish festivals, dinners, summer picnics, children's Christmas parties and Communion Breakfasts sponsored by these organizations were continually bringing together the growing community of the parish. Newly formed Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops were offering the children an enrichment program that would help them to become an integral part of the parish life.

   In addition to parish work, Father Naughton and the assistant pastors gave of themselves cheerfully to the Catholic patients at Strong Memorial and Municipal Hospitals, Iola Sanitarium and Monroe County Home & Infirmary. Besides this apostolate to the ill and aged, our parish priests also provided spiritual direction for members of the staffs of these institutions as well as the University of Rochester, located within our boundaries.

   Father John Kleintjes, who had been with us for five years, was transferred to Saint Patrick Church in Seneca Falls, New York in June 1956. His vibrant personality and enthusiasm had left a definite mark on our parish. As Spiritual Director of the Holy Name Society, he efficiently reorganized it and also began the very popular Children's Christmas parties. Youth programs and the Legion of Mary Praesidiums also flourished under his guidance. Newly ordained Father Robert Kanka was appointed to succeed him in 1956.

   Wood and timber were soon to give way to brick and mortar in the year 1957 when plans were finalized for a larger, more permanent type church. A Church Building Fund Appeal was held on Palm Sunday, April 14 of that year with 275 volunteers canvassing the entire parish to obtain a $200,000 goal. In the short period of two hours, Saint Anne parishioners had willingly pledged a total of $251,000 towards their permanent House of God.

   Ground breaking ceremonies for the new church took place on November 11, 1958. Monsignor Naughton's farsightedness and determination to create a pleasing parish complex within the neighboring community soon became a reality. The new church, with its yellow brick exterior topped by a slender steeple with a gleaming cross at its peak, was built at the cost of $417,000. With a seating capacity of 600, the modern church is spacious and comfortable. Upon entering the Church, attention is immediately drawn to the white marble altar, enhanced on the back wall by a fifteen foot painted reproduction of Saint Anne instructing her daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary. The original painting, housed in the Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain was painted by Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1618-1682).

   Saint Anne Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows depicting the life of Saints Anne and Joachim, the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the life of Christ, was formally dedicated on May 19, 1959 by Bishop E. Kearney, with Bishop Lawrence B. Casey celebrating a Pontifical Low Mass. Under the guidance and direction of Monsignor Naughton, many hours of volunteer work, prayer and personal sacrifice had resulted in a completed sanctuary of prayer in the Mt. Hope-South Avenue neighborhood. Complimenting the new church and rectory complex are spacious walkways, flowering red bud trees, and the ever present Wayside Shrine. Saint Anne had truly outgrown the pioneer days and come of age in a quiet, permanent setting in the midst of a busy, thriving community.

   The old, wood-frame church, which had so capably served for almost thirty years, was not to be put to its final resting entirely. It was dismantled, very methodically, and every piece of salvageable material, including doors, windows, furnaces, and heavy timber, were used to create the new Saint Lawrence Church on North Greece Road in Greece. Saint Lawrence Church, consisting of 75% of the material from the old Saint Anne Church was formally dedicated in May 1961. Many of the Saint Anne parishioners were present to witness the contribution they had made to another beginning Christian Community. Saint Lawrence Church has since replaced their wood-frame structure with a new brick and mortar church building.

   While Monsignor Naughton remained the stable, guiding force of the parish, there was a constant flow of new and energetic young priests to assist him. Father Robert Meng served as assistant pastor for 1958-1959. Also in 1958, Father Bruce Ammering came to us as assistant pastor and Chaplain to Monroe Community Hospital. Father Ammering would stay with us until 1963 when he would leave to devote himself as full time Chaplain to the Hospital. Father Elmer Schmidt joined the parish staff in 1959.

   From September to June of every year, Saint Anne School became very much alive with the voices of happy children who came to receive a quality education in a religious atmosphere. Sister Helen Therese became principal of the school in 1956 and remained in the position until 1962 when Sister May Bernadette succeeded her. An active Parent-Teacher Association consistently supported the school and its policies and encouraged parent involvement in their children's education

   With the ten year building program completed, Saint Anne Parish entered the decade of the sixties as a mature, active parish in the Diocese. With its own buildings and grounds completed, the people of Saint Anne reached outward and gave unselfishly to the financial support of two new Catholic High Schools in the Diocese, pledging close to $100,000 in the Campaign.

   The Legion of Mary was a very active and influential organization at our parish. Stressing spiritual growth and personal sanctification, its members were unfailing in their aid to our parish priests and visiting the home-bound within the neighborhood. There were eight active adult and teenage groups. In addition to their spiritual goals, the Legion of Mary members also staffed our parish library, which had become one of the finest in the Diocese and was widely used.

   Another group increasing in popularity at the time was the Mother's Circle. Composed of ten to fifteen neighborhood women each, the Circles met monthly in member's homes for discussion of contemporary Church doctrine or issues.

   In June of 1961, assistant pastor, Father Kanka left Saint Anne to go to Holy Family Church. He had endeared himself in the hearts of all parishioners as well as the patients at Iola Sanitarium where he spent many hours every week as chaplain. Father Kanka was succeeded by Father William Holberton who, in addition to his parish duties, would serve as chaplain to the University of Rochester.

   With the increasing number of people driving to Sunday Masses, the Church Annex which was adjacent to the old church, was torn down in 1963, leaving a large, open are to serve as a parking lot and school playground. This entire area was paved during the same year.

   During the early sixties, the Catholic church became increasingly aware of the need to make changes within the Church to comply with modern times. For this reason, the Second Vatican Council was convened in September 1963. Many months of intense discussion and debate on the part of the Bishops of the world was to follow. Ultimately. numerous important changes were to come out of Vatican II. Monsignor Naughton attended most of the Vatican II sessions. Parishioners eagerly awaited his informative and interesting letters from Rome that gave them a first hand account of the proceedings of the Council. Upon his return from Rome, Monsignor Naughton cautiously began implementing the changes of Vatican II. By November 1964, the Mass was being celebrated in English and parishioners were beginning to feel comfortable with their new role as active participants.

   Two new assistant pastors came to Saint Anne during this time. Father Edwin Metzger arrived in 1963 and Father Robert Bradler came in 1964. Both priests were instrumental in helping Monsignor Naughton bring about many of the Vatican II changes.

   Sister Clare Roland became principal of the school in 1965 and would serve faithfully in that position for ten years. Sister Clare dealt most capably with the contemporary problems of declining enrollment and lack of teaching Sisters, while at the same time, maintaining the high quality of a Catholic education. By the late sixties, it became obvious that the parish could not support the large convent for a small number of Sisters. It was sold to the State of New York in 1969 and our four Sisters began living at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent.

   Banner bulletin headlines proclaiming the parish "Debt Free" greeted the people one Sunday in October 1969. In a little less than ten years they had paid off a mortgage of over $400,000. To celebrate the occasion, a mortgage burning ceremony was held at all Sunday Masses. Parishioners participated as a small fire lit in the sanctuary and the long standing mortgage went up in flames.

   Monsignor Bernard Drew, a native of Rochester who had served for many years in the Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota, came to Saint Anne in 1968 for semi-retirement. His presence touched the lives of many in the parish during his three year stay. In 1971 Father Ralph Frats joined the parish staff, coming to us from Holy Rosary Parish. He was with us as an assistant pastor for two years.

   Another milestone passed on April 26, 1970 when Saint Anne celebrated its Fortieth Anniversary with a Mass concelebrated by Bishop Joseph L Hogan, Monsignor William Naughton and Monsignor George Schmitt. It was a momentous occasion for the parish and many parishioners attended the festive late afternoon Mass as another decade of service to God and community was ushered in. By this time in our history, the parish was in full swing with the modernizing changes of Vatican II, which were proving very effective in bringing the meaning of the Mass and Christian community closer to the people. The presentation of Gifts at Mass by the people was favorably received and the beginning of a Sunday morning guitar Mass seemed to appeal to the younger generation.

   Saint Anne has been served by many assistant pastors, most of whom stayed for only a brief period of time. One of those exceptional people, Arthur (Robert) Bradler left the parish in 1971 after seven years among us. His youthful and giving heart had deeply enriched the people.

   Monsignor Naughton retired from active parish service in 1972 and moved to Saint Thomas More Rectory in Brighton. In his twenty-two years at Saint Anne, he seemed to have accomplished the impossible. Our beautiful parish complex stands as a permanent reminder of his business-like determination and his complete faith in God and the people he served. Monsignor Naughton had won a very special spot in the heart of our community and its history.

GROWING INTO VATICAN II
1972-1981
Rev. Msgr. Charles V. Boyle. Pastor

   In the first forty years of our parish, we had been doubly blessed in having the guiding talent of Monsignor George Schmitt and Monsignor William Naughton. Our third pastor, Monsignor Charles V. Boyle, came to us equally qualified. His quiet and caring manner, combined with his experience and education, helped led us through many more of the Church changes. A native of the Bronx, New York City, Monsignor Boyle was ordained in the Diocese of Rochester on May 18, 1940. For many years he served as Associate Superintendent of the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Rochester and was appointed Superintendent of Schools in 1954. Before coming to Saint Anne, Monsignor Boyle held the pastorate of Saint John the Evangelist Church on Humboldt Street in Rochester.

   With the decline in vocations to the priesthood and lack of priests to serve Diocesan parishes, Monsignor Boyle tackled the task of orienting the people to take a more active role in parish responsibilities. He was joined in 1973 by a newly ordained Father Joseph A. Hart, a vibrant, enthusiastic person with a wide variety of talents. Within a short period of time after their arrival, Saint Anne joined other parishes in the city by establishing its own parish council. Since its establishment, our parish council has slowly evolved into a strong, effective group.

   One of the youngest organizations in our parish is our Saint Anne Seniors. Not only is it young in years but extremely young at heart. The variety and depth of their program is characteristic of their zeal for life. It seems that our senior citizens are justly reaping the rewards of their many long years of service and devotion to Saint Anne Church, while at the same time adding a special sparkle to our community.

   Sister Anne Maloy, R.S.M., established a precedent 1974 when she became our first pastoral assistant. Her winning personality and sincere concern for the elderly and homebound made her ministry here a very special one. When she left in 1979, she was succeeded by Sister deChantal, who came to us from Mercy High School. Father Edward Lintz spent several year with us at this time in semi-retirement and in 1976 Father Theodore Auble joined us as Father Hart left for Rome to continue his theological studies in preparation for teaching at Saint Bernard Seminary. Also at this time, Sister Mary Ann Binsack came as our first Religious Education Coordinator. Beginning with the establishment of Sunday Children's Liturgy of the Word, Sister Mary Anne went on to deepen the meaning of our sacramental programs.

   Although beginning to feel the pinch of modern day inflation, Saint Anne School remained a proud asset. Sister Julie LeVeque became principal of the school in 1975, bringing with her an enthusiastic spirit and love for activity. The school halls radiated with history and science projects that the children did to deepen the meaning of their learning experiences.

   As the first fifty years neared an end, we saw several new, but not completely unfamiliar faces on the parish staff. Father Raymond Heisel was welcomed back as an assistant pastor after a long absence. Miss Terry Jean Nichols, who had been teaching at our school for nine years, became our first lay principal.

CONSOLIDATING THE SCHOOLS
1981-1989
Rev. Msgr. William Roche, Pastor