“From the Archives” History of Our Baptismal Font

Our lovely white marble baptismal font was installed in January 1932, when the church was restored after lightning struck the church steeple on June 6, 1929, causing a disastrous fire that damaged much a of the church interior. The font was donated by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) in honor of Aurelia Whitcomb O’Sullivan, founder of our Saint Mary CDA Court Kavanaugh #54. Mrs. O’Sullivan’s husband, Michael R. O’Sullivan, donated the interior decorations of the baptistry, which was for many years located in the niche at the rear of the church where the statue of Saint Thomas More now stands.

Mrs. O’Sullivan (1863-1933) was a tireless parish volunteer for more than 50 years. During World War I, she was president of Saint Mary’s War Community Service, which provided meals, entertainment, dances and other services to young soldiers. According to church records, there was hardly a parish charitable or devotional activity in which she was not involved.

Michael O’Sullivan (1863-1952) was also a generous patron of the parish. He was president of the Saint Vincent dePaul Society for nearly 50 years. While the O’Sullivans were not blessed with children of their own, they had a special interest in the children of the parish, personally supporting poor families and providing needy children with school tuition, clothing and other necessities.

— Kitty Guy, Parish Historian

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