In 1901, Theresa Winder deeded a parcel of land on High Street and the cornerstone of the church was laid. The church was built under the direction of Rev. Bartholomew J. McLaughlin and trustees James Carey and Thomas Bigham. The church formally opened May 15, 1902 and was consecrated by the bishop of the diocese, The Most Reverend henry Gabriels of Ogdensburg on October 21, 1902. Although an earlier deed called this parish St. Bridget's, the parishioners, as well as legal documents dated as early as 1902, referred to it as St. Mary's. However, no formal certificate was filed for a name change until 1942.
In 1926, a parcel of land on the south side of the church was purchased from Alvin J. and Lena Ward to prevent any building near the church. This is the lot where the garage is now located. In August the same year, John Howe deeded the parcel between the rectory and the church edifice which originally served as a right of way to the Winder property located behind the church. In 1927, ground was broken on the north side of the church for a new rectory.
To accommodate a growing congregation, in 1931, St Mary's Church was enlarged under the direction of Rev. Thomas E. Owen and trustees John Doyle and Nelson Ssherer. The improvements included new hardwood floors in the sactuary, sacristy and transept; the erection of a new church basement and parlor; and the instalation of a new heating unit. On Thankgiving night in 1937, Father Owen, was retiring for the evening when he smelled smoke. Upon further investigation, he found smoke and sparks coming from the church basement. The Copenhagen Fire Department was summoned and local newspapers reported that the fire of unknown origin started in the basement and extensively damaged the interior of the church. The damages estimated at $15,000 destroyed nearly all of the improvements made over the past 6 years.
Until the church was rebuilt, workship services were held in the Scherer Funeral Parlor. With donations from local architects, businesses and parishioners, renovations to the church were completed in the summer of 1938. On Sunday, October 16, 1938, The Most Reverend Francis J. Monaghan officiated at the re-dedication ceremony of St. Mary's Church. It is interesting to note that the Bishop conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation to 30 children and 9 adults from St. Mary's and Sts. Peter and Paul parishes.
Throughout the following years, St. Mary's thrived and in 1965, Rev. James P. Igo arrived as pastor. During his term, extensive landscaping was done to the church property . The shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary was erected on the south side of the church and Father Igo planted cedar trees and flowers around the property. Hence, the parishioners were introduced to the 11th Commandment: Thou shall not step on Father's flowers.
In August 1999, Rev. Charles E. Chase retired leaving St. Mary's without a resident pastor for the first time in its history. St. Mary's is now a mission of St. James Church in Carthage and boasts approximately 174 families.
We parishioners of St. Mary's express our profound gratitude to the clergy and other religious who have served the spiritual needs of this parish. Our gratitude also extends to the founding fathers who sacrificed and faithfully pursued their desires to make St. Mary's edifice become a reality. To Copenhagen and the surrounding communities who have supported our church throughout the century, we are sincerely thankful. Above all we thank God for His many blessings bestowed on this parish and its parishioners.
