Until 1964, no Catholic church existed in the town of Pembroke. Property on Washington St. was purchased by the Archdiocese of Boston from the Smith family, and on December 13, 1963, Richard Cardinal Cushing placed the cornerstone of St. Thecla church. Over the next six months, town residents saw an unusual piece of architecture rise from the ground.
The roof was formed on the ground. It is a solid piece of concrete, weighing thirty five tons. It is six inches thick at the base and three inches at the rounded top. It was raised in a two hour process to its present height by sixteen jacks. With no interior columns, worshippers may enjoy unobstructed views of the entire church. Architect David Shields designed a sky dome and stained glass windows so that sunlight could pour throughout.
On July 19, 1964, Bishop Jeremiah Minihan, accompanied by an honor guard of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, blessed and dedicated the building and celebrated Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
The population of Pembroke in 1964 was five thousand with about three hundred families registered in the parish. The parish hall, at the rear of the building, became a popular gathering place for all residents. Since it had the distinction of being the largest hall in town, members of the police and fire departments held their annual balls there. Many dances, fund raisers, and parties, as well as the Pembroke Bicentennial Ball were held at the hall.
The first pastor was Fr. Eugene Bailot, and he became the first chairman of Pembroke’s Housing Authority. He was succeeded as pastor three years later by Fr. Vincent Piscitelli, who was followed in 1971 by Fr. James Mahoney. Fr. Mahoney served as pastor until 1997 when he retired and was succeeded by Fr. Robert Sullivan. Fr. Sullivan continues to serve as current pastor of St. Thecla.
Parochial Vicars have included Fr. Mark Corrigan, Fr. David Doucet, Fr. John Nichols, Fr. Joseph Slyva, Fr. William Sullivan, Fr. Robert Meffan, Fr. James Robertson, and at present, Fr. Michael Harkins.
Another group of priests has provided week-end assistance through the years. This group includes Frs. Robert Kelliher, Robert Buchan, Daniel Flavin, Edward Roberts, Lawrence Cedrone, Joseph Ryan, Peter Shakalis, Clyde Leonard, and currently Fr. Arthur Brown.
St. Thecla has also enjoyed the assistance of two transitional deacons, Paul Scriber and John Creed; as well as two permanent deacons, Joseph Papile; and for two years until his death in April 2002, Thomas McMorrow – the first permanent deacon to be ordained from this parish.
Today, Pembroke has a population of about eighteen thousand with approximately eight thousand two hundred registered parishioners. A hallmark of the parish life is the familiar sight of the four retired racing greyhounds who have been adopted by Fr. Sullivan. Rider, Roamer, Ranger and Shadow are favorites with children and adults alike as they greet parishioners who visit the rectory and as they make frequent “guest appearances” following Masses and at parish events.
Home History Mass Schedule Ministries Religious Education Sacraments Weekly Bulletin Directions Links Upcoming Events Welcome New Parishioners! Contact Us