Crowds filled 'lower church' opening in 1906

Celebrating the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Of the many dates in the chronology of the basilica, 1905 and 1906 represent the death of the old church and the birth of the new. The grand structure, conceived as early as 1890, would not open to the public until Christmas Eve 1906.

Like the Basilica, many early 20th-century church construction projects began with a “lower church” built to accommodate the congregation until the upper (and final) structure could be financed and completed.

Some churches also included a crypt in their lower structure, containing the remains of a founder or notable person. The lower church of Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross includes a crypt behind the altar, with the remains of founding bishops. In the case of Lewiston’s own Saint Patrick’s church, the crypt and mortuary chapel containing the remains of founder Monsignor Thomas Wallace were added to the lower level chapel after the construction of the church.

Following the demolition of the first Saint Peter’s in 1905, construction began on what would become the Basilica of Saint’s Peter and Paul. Fundraising, a critical component of the project, continued before, during and after ground was broken.

On Friday, March 3, 1905, the Lewiston Daily Sun reported that a “promenade concert” given by the “Children of Marie” at City Hall on the prior evening was a success. “There were nearly 2,500 people present and the evening’s program was immensely enjoyed by all. During the evening the Dominican band gave a fine concert, which added to the success of the affair.”

The article noted there was a banquet, an address by the mayor, raffles and booths selling items in addition to the musical program. The following day, the Daily Sun confirmed that the benefit netted $1,075, which would be the equivalent of more than $25,000 in today’s dollars.

Finally, on Dec. 24, 1906, the lower church opened for midnight Mass. The Dec. 25, 1906, Daily Sun reported: “The new basement story of St. Peter’s Church was filled to the doors last night when the first Mass was celebrated at midnight. The vestry had been hurriedly completed for this service and considering the difficulties was in excellent shape.”

The church quickly filled to capacity (1,600) and “the remainder of the vast audience were placed in the alcoves and vestibules” while Father Dallaire celebrated Mass with 25 altar boys assisting. The article notes “the basement is finished in the Gothic style of the 13th century. It is lighted by electric lights and gas. The latest style of ventilation is used.”

Five Christmas Day Masses were said on that day in 1906.

Thirty years later, the upper church and structure as it now looks was finally completed.

Future articles will explore the evolution of the lower church as well as the role of fundraising and entertainment in the life of the basilica.

This is a post card featuring a view of the basilica’s lower church facing the altar before the space was renovated. Inset upper right is an image of Father Antonin Dallaire, who performed the first Mass in the lower church in 1906. Prior to coming to Saints Peter and Paul Church, he was at a similarly large church in Fall River, Massachusetts.

This is the reverse view of what the lower church of the basilica looked like before renovations were made. It faces the organ, viewed from the altar.

This postcard image offers a closer look at the altar in the lower church before renovations were made.