By Vincent Weiss

In 1891, a small group gathered in the Burke residence on Titus Avenue in Lawrenceville for the first Mass ever celebrated in Lawrence Township. Father John M. McCloskey, a native of Princeton, was the celebrant. When the membership increased, services were held nearby in the home of the Michael Fleming family. In 1898, a new trolley line made it possible for travel to Saint Mary's Cathedral, or to Saint Joseph's Church in East Trenton. As many Catholics could not afford the fare, parents made the great sacrifice of walking with their children to services in Trenton.

In 1905, Morris Hall Home for the Aged, just outside Lawrenceville, was opened and the congregation began worship at that location with Father John Gammell, appointed as the first chaplain, officiating. For the next thirty-three years, until 1938, Lawrence Catholics worshiped in Morris Hall's Holy Rosary Chapel, although many continued to travel miles to Trenton for Sunday services and Holy days.

A New Era Begins

Lawrenceville's new church, named in honor of Saint Ann, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus, was issued a Certificate of Incorporation on August 9, 1937, the recorded foundation date of Saint Ann parish. The cellar was dug by volunteers working late into the evenings. As Monsignor Michael McCorristin recalled at the time, "We borrowed a scoop from Mr. Rudolph K. Risbam, a team of horses, and a tractor from Morris Hall." Although the men of the parish dug the entire cellar and laid the foundation, it was a common sight to see the young priest pushing a wheelbarrow, mixing cement, and pouring concrete. The cornerstone was laid and the church dedicated on Sunday, June 26, 1938. The first five pastors of Saint Ann resided at Morris Hall and in 1951 the present rectory at 1253 Lawrence Road was purchased.Father Michael P. McCorristin was assigned as chaplain in the midst of the Great Depression and became the catalyst for the construction of Lawrence Township's first Catholic church. This feat was accomplished despite the severe economic depression in the area and in the nation generally. At this time, about 100 Catholic families resided in the area, mostly in the Eldridge Park section. Holy Communion and Confirmation were held in the Lawrence Road Firehouse and, for a time, in Gabriel DiSylvester's barbershop on Merline Avenue. There was considerable discussion about where to build the church, but this issue was resolved by Father McCorristin who stated, "You build where most of your parishioners are located." Thus, on July 22, 1936, a tract of land was purchased on Lawrence Road at Lawrence Avenue for $4,000, donated by the Diocese of Trenton. Construction plans began immediately for the church that was to stand until the autumn of 1983.

Challenge of the Sixties

During the period from 1955 to 1967, the Catholic population of Lawrence Township increased from 400 to nearly 1,000 families, necessitating an expansion of the facilities, in particular a school. Groundbreaking for the building took place on November 27, 1962. The school opened in September, 1964 with the first and second grades; one grade was added each year until all eight grades were accommodated. A short time later, a two-story convent was erected adjoining the school on Rossa Avenue, which was dedicated on February 7, 1965.

Conquering Adversity in the Eighties

A telling blow struck the parish on January 2, 1982, when fire caused irreparable damage to the church of forty-four years. "There was an emotional attachment to the church," Msgr. Thomas J. Frain stated after a decision to demolish the original church and build a new one was made. "This was their spiritual home, this is where they were baptized and married." A campaign was launched during the weekend of April 16-17, 1983, to raise a minimum of $800,000. Two months later, Msgr. Frain informed the parishioners that the minimum amount of funds for the new construction had been met and exceeded. A wrecker demolished the original building that had stood for forty-five years. Salvaged from the church were numerous items including the Stations of the Cross, the stained glass windows and the organ. Ground was broken for the new church on Sunday, May 13, 1984.

After nearly two years in construction, the new Church of Saint Ann became a community landmark once again. To eliminate the need for steps, it has a seating capacity of 750 compared with 190 in the original church. The first Mass was celebrated in the new structure Saturday, December 21, 1985. The first wedding, on December 28, witnessed the exchange of marriage vows between Mark Eggert and Anna Lieggi and the first Baptism, of John Emply, took place on January 12, 1986. The cornerstone dedication of the new church was held April 20, 1986. Among those participating were Bishop Reiss, Bishop Ahr, Msgr. Frain, and Msgr. McCorristin, Saint Ann's first pastor.

The preceding brief historical account of The Church of Saint Ann was taken from a hardcover volume, "Church History of Saint Ann, Lawrenceville, New Jersey," published in 1986, and edited by Vincent A. Weiss. Msgr. Thomas J. Frain retired on May 23, 1994 after twenty-seven years of dedicated service. 

Celebrating in the 21st Century 

In 2005, in response to the growing needs of the parish, the Faith Development Center was built as an attachment to the church. The 30,000 square foot facility houses the parish/school library, Art and Music center for the parish and school as well as meeting rooms and offices. The Gallery of Light is used for Art Exhibits and processions. In 2012 the parish celebrated 75 years of Catholic presence in Lawenceville. 

Currently, there are approximately 2,700 families registered in The Church of Saint Ann.