Provincetown, MASSACHUSETTS - St. Peter\'s Roman Catholic Church - 1912 For Sale

Provincetown, MASSACHUSETTS - St. Peter\'s Roman Catholic Church - 1912: In 1852 there were approximately seventy Catholic worshipers in Provincetown, most of them of Irish descent. With no easy means of transportation, and no church anywhere in the near vicinity, the Reverend Joseph Finotti periodically traveled from Boston celebrate Mass and hear confessions. Religious services would take place in the parlors of these worshipers and due to the long journey, Fr. Finotti often stayed in these homes as well. By 1854 these devout folks had raised enough money to purchase property that included a building large enough for a church and a separate room to allow lodging for the visiting priest. The building was called Snow’s Block but it didn’t last long as a church as it was quite small and the number of Catholics was growing. After several other buildings were used, property known as Parker’s Plain was purchased and construction began. This location would be permanent and was dedicated as a church by the Most Reverend Thomas F. Hendricken, Bishop of Providence, RI. The date was October 11, 1874. Ulysses S. Grant was President and Pius the IX was Pope. By the time of it’s dedication the number of Catholics who would fill the building for Mass had greatly increased, due to the influx of Portuguese seafaring families who had started settling in Provincetown in the 1860’s. In the year following the dedication of the church, Provincetown underwent a difficult time in history with many fires and shipwrecks devastating the people of the town. Sometime between 1920- 1924 (dates vary,) St. Peter’s faced a crisis. Residents said to have connections to the KKK burned a cross in front of the church, likely in protest of immigration, especially by the strong Portuguese community. This divisive act only made the parish stronger as members came together to support one another. Previously established but not well organized, the burning cross secured the commitment of men to strengthen and grow St. Peter’s chapter of the Knights of Columbus, which continues to support the church as well as the entire community to this day. This Divided Back Era postcard, mailed in 1912, shows the church as it was then the Card is in good condition but there is edge wear. Published by the Advocate. Provincetown. No. 81.

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