November 21, 1954—Consecration of the Grounds at 54 Park Avenue

On November 21, 1954, His Grace Dimitry, Archbishop of New England, consecrated the ground at the corner of Park Avenue and Webster Street in preparation for actual construction of a new temple for the parishioners of SS. Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in Meriden, consecrated in Octobor, 1956.

The beginning of SS. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church in Meriden was a humble one. Our story is typically American—an example of the immigration history of our great nation. Our forefathers left their homeland with few material possessions. They entered the new land with a strong love of God and a burning desire to do His will. Faith and hope in their hearts was the essence of their being.

In 1908, 13 men organized an Orthodox Brotherhood Society named in honor of the Chief Apostles, Saints Peter and Paul. Through self-denial and determination, they established a religious community and laid a solid foundation for the Orthodox faith in Meriden. Two years later, the Brothers purchased property on Bunker Avenue. By 1911, they petitioned the Archbishop to appoint a priest and establish a parish. Construction began and our first temple was completed in 1912. On May 8, 1913, the temple of SS. Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church was dedicated and consecrated. Eighty-one members were recorded.

By the mid 1940’s, a second generation has grown to the extent that the small church on Bunker Avenue was no longer sufficient for the needs of almost 400 parishioners. In 1946, increased membership led to selecting a committee to investigate the feasibility of building a “new church.” By 1950, land was purchased at the corner of Park Avenue and Webster Street. In 1954, the Rev. John Mason was assigned to our Meriden parish. In November of that year, His Grace Dimitry, Archbishop of New England, consecrated the grounds at 54 Park Avenue. For two years thereafter, Father John Mason led the Church committees, societies, parishioners, and friends in the task of building a new temple.

SS. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church brought pride to the first and second generation of the faithful. Today, well into the fifth generations, our church is rich in history and remains a proud symbol of Orthodox faith in the Greater Meriden area. Its gold dome has shone brightly as a keeper of the City Park neighborhood.

Throughout the next two years, we will share this history with you and rededicate ourselves to the task begun well over 100 years ago—to be the Church, to the Glory of God.