St. Mary Parish and the other parishes of Dover merged on July 5, 2009, to become the Parish of the Assumption. This site has been created to preserve the rich history and legacy of St. Mary Parish and its church for former parishioners and other friends of St. Mary.

FRIENDS OF ST. MARY was conceived and is maintained through the generosity of Father Fritz Cerullo, O.S.A., as an expression of his love of St. Mary Church, her history and his continuing devotion to the parishioners he served. Please enjoy browsing the site and provide comments and suggestions to either Father Fritz or the webmaster.

Please note that this site is not affiliated with the Diocese of Manchester, nor the Parish of the Assumption which was established upon the merger of the former parishes of St. Mary, St. Joseph and St. Charles Borromeo, and the St. Joseph mission Chapel of the Nativity in Barrington. The Parish of the Assumption web site is located at http://www.assumptiondovernh.org.

The Assumption of the  Blessed Virgin Mary The window behind the altar, depicting the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, probably dates from the original construction of the church building in 1870. The first Mass was celebrated in the "new" church on August 15, 1871, Feast of the Assumption.                                                   The image commemorates our Blessed Mother as she is taken body and soul into heaven. She is surrounded by angels. Four of the angels each hold an article to present to Our Lady upon her arrival in heaven: a gold crown, a symbol of royalty; a scepter; a lily scepter, a symbol of purity and grace; and a floral crown, a symbol of beauty.