BRUNSWICK — In honor of the spirit and faith displayed by dedicated residents and to reflect on a church and school that have stood and thrived for more than a century, parishioners, students and alumni will gather for a special Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, March 17, at the 11 a.m. Mass at St. John the Baptist Church, 37 Pleasant St.

St. John the Baptist Church is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Following a devastating fire at the previous church in 1912, the foundation and basement of the current church was completed and opened for services on Palm Sunday, March 16, 1913.

St. John’s Catholic School is now in its 130th year of existence. The school originally welcomed students in the 1882 school year, organizing in the old church building on Federal Street. Ironically, while laying the foundation for the new church, the foundation was also placed for the current St. John’s Catholic School and on March 17, 1913, the day after the current church was opened, the current St. John’s Catholic School was dedicated.

“We honor and thank all of the countless people in the community who have been an important part of who and what we are,” said Deborah Goering, principal at St. John’s. “We celebrate 130 years of educating children and look forward to growing stronger and teaching new generations throughout the years to come.”

As part of the special anniversary celebration at Mass on Sunday, the current students at St. John’s Catholic School will sing a French song to honor the Blessed Mother and the French community of Brunswick.

A luncheon for the community will follow, as will a presentation of the students’ annual stage production starting at 2 p.m. at the school.

For more information contact Principal Deborah Goering at 207-725-5507 or at deborah.goering@portlanddiocese.org.