Before 1917, local Catholics celebrated mass in various halls, including the Opera House, and in private homes. The foundation for this church was laid in 1916 and the first services were held inside a year later. Although only twelve Catholic families lived in the town at the time, the congregation grew seasonally as visitors to Boothbay Harbor could raise attendance to over 600. The steeple was finished in 1924, the church was dedicated in 1926, and its exterior, originally weathered cedar shingles, was rendered white in the 1950s. Over the years thousands of holiday-makers attended services here, and the most famous was President John F. Kennedy in August 1962.