History of St. Mary Church
Catholics in Franklin began to organize St. Mary Parish in 1854. The first Mass was celebrated at the home of Nicholas Gough, an ancestor to the present members - Kathy Gough, Charles Maloney and Dick Tracy.
Masses were celebrated at the Opera House before a frame church was built in 1868. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas Boulger, followed by Revs. C. Mallon and John Kallenberg who served as part time pastors.
In 1883 Rev. J. J. Crowley became the resident pastor. After living in one room and boarding with parishioners, he purchased a house on the present property. The church was moved there, remodeled and a tower was added to the front.
In 1902 Rev. Patrick Hynes was appointed and began raising funds for the present church building and rectory. He was followed by Revs. Edward Ryan and John Dickhaus, who started building. The cornerstone was laid on Dec. 1, 1912. A day after the 1913 flood Rev. Nicholas Schneider was appointed and under his direction the church was dedicated on Oct. 26, 1913.
In 1918 the parish celebrated it's silver jubilee and stained glass windows were installed. In 1949 a son of the parish, Rev. John Sauter was ordained.
In 1960, Rev. Bernard Bruening, a Fenwick High School teacher, began assisting Fr. Schneider. The hall was built for religious instruction and parish meetings in 1961. In 1967 Fr. Bernard Bruening was appointed administrator.
Fr. Schneider died in 1967 at the age of 90. He had spent 54 years in dedicated service to St. Mary Parish and the community of Franklin, and is still fondly remembered by many of the present parishioners.
In 1968 Rev. Galliger was appointed pastor until 1971 when Rev. Msgr. Connaughton arrived. Rev. Bernard Bruening served as assistant to Fr. Galliger and Msgr. Connaughton.
In 1973 Rev. Robert Suver became pastor. In 1978 three garages were built and a parish album was issued. After 16 years of service Fr. Suver retired in July of 1989 and Rev. Joseph Bruening, cousin to Bernard Bruening, became pastor.
Fr. Bruening expanded the parish hall was in 1992 and the parish celebrated its 125th anniversary. The church building was remodeled in 1993 and parish pictorial albums were issued in 1992, 1996 and 2001. Fr. Bruening retired in July, 2003.
Fr. Charles Mentrup was appointed pastor. He continued his duties as Principal of Fenwick High School in Middletown until June, 2005. Fr. Chuck tragically died in an automobile accident October 31, 2006.
Fr. James J. Manning, after being temporary administrator, became pastor July 1, 2007. He continues his duties as President of Alter High School, Kettering.
