St. Mary's Abridged History

St. Mary's Abridged History

1867

Work began on the building of a Mission Church to serve the needs of Episcopalians in the rural Lake Ronkonkoma area, who had previously worshipped in the Lake Ronkonkoma school house at the Five Corners. The first service was held on the last Sunday of 1867.

Nov. 6, 1868

Between Margaret Puleston, wife of John H. Puleston of Ronkonkoma...and the wardens and vestrymen of St. Mary's Church at Lake Ronkonkoma...in consideration of Ten dollars this tract of land was conveyed to the congregation . Colonel Puleston was a member of the English Parliament who, with his family, vacationed here in Lake Ronkonkoma. It is not known whether he planned to finally retire here, but for the continuation of the practice of his Anglican faith, he donated the property, made a major contribution toward its construction, gave the pipe organ and the Bishop's chair.

1868

In 1868 , the Diocese of Long Island was formed and St. Mary's came under the Jurisdiction of The First Bishop of Long Island, The Rt. Rev. Abram Newkirk Littlejohn.

1893

In 1893 St. Mary's was united with Churches in Central Islip (Messiah) and Brentwood (Christ Church), and later to be joined by St. John's, Oakdale, St. Mark's, Medford and St. Michael's and All Angels, Gordon Heights. This was the final mission circuit traveled each Sunday by the priest-in charge of Messiah, Central Islip in the 20th century.

Fr. Edward Wisbauer was appointed the 22nd priest in charge. For a complete list of priests in charge of St. Mary's, click here.

Sept. 1, 1959

May 16, 1971

On Sunday, May 16, 1971, Bishop Sherman celebrated and preached at a Eucharist, the last service to be held in the old Church. Shortly afterwards he pronounced the Church deconsecrated and never again to be used for a house of worship The Service was crowded with parishioners who, with mixed emotions, cried at the loss of a faithful and old friend, yet rejoiced in anticipation of the future new building. In a cold and driving rain after the service, Bishop Sherman broke ground for the new Church. A new era had begun.

St. Mary's Old Church

June 25, 1972

The new Church was dedicated by Bishop Sherman. But something else was added. In the course of the construction, the Executive Committee sought permission from the Diocese to become an incorporated parish. The support of parishioners was voted upon and obtained unanimously. On Sunday, May 14, 1972, Incorporation of St. Mary's was approved by the people. Father Wisbauer became the first rector of St. Mary's.

April 14, 1996

Retirement of Father Ed Wisbauer after 38 years in the priesthood, 37 of which were spent at St. Mary's.

Jan. 9, 1999

The Bishop Suffragan of Long Island, The Rt. Rev. Rodney R. Michel officially installed on Sunday, The Rev. Anthony DiLorenzo, BA; M.Div; D.A.S., as Rector of St. Mary's Fr. DiLorenzo and his wife Myriam actually arrived at St. Mary's in Oct. 1998 and his first Sunday Mass was celebrated on October 25, 1998 beginning an era of openness and joy.