St. Gabriel mission became an independent parish, May 9, 1946 after serving and expanding the Milford shoreline community since 1908. To understand the growth from a Mission Church to a parish the knowledge of the past is important. The roots of St. Gabriel Church go back to the first Roman Catholic Church of Milford. A large number of Roman Catholics arrived in Milford in 1848 with the employment of Irish workers to construct the railroad throughout the area. At this time priests came from St. Mary Parish in New Haven to celebrate Mass in the homes of the communicants. Reverend J. O’Brien, of New Haven, recognized the need for a Church as the congregation continued to grow. In 1850 a small parcel of land was purchased on Gulf Street near the present railroad bridge. Three years later, Milford had its first Roman Catholic Church. For several years the Mission would be under the jurisdiction of St. James Parish in Bridgeport, and St. Mary in Derby.
In 1908, St. Gabriel Mission was started, with Mass held in Union Chapel, a non-denominational Church at Wildemere Beach, during the summer months. It was a mission of St. Mary, which is now an independent parish.
In 1910, a chapel was constructed at Andrews Avenue and Church Street, at a cost of $4,750. This chapel, a wooden structure, was dedicated on August 21, 1910. The following year, new pews were added at a cost of $1,027 and four years later, an addition was built costing $1,080. The total cost for the structure, additions, and furnishings was less than $6,000. By 1917, the property was valued at $12,000.
For the next several years Mass was held here, usually from April to November, to accommodate the summer visitors to the shore. Walnut Beach, Wildemere Beach, Myrtle beach, Laurel Beach and Cedar Beach made up a thriving summer community, with Walnut Beach Park as a successful attraction, which included two movie theaters. The summer population continued to grow.
This first chapel, as a result of a faulty furnace, was destroyed by a fire on Sunday, February 25, 1923. The present Church was constructed, and dedicated on August 26, 1923, at a cost of $47,000. The Church’s unique architecture reflects the influence of a Spanish Mission Chapel. The interior was completed and the Church was rededicated on August 3, 1930 by Father John Anderson.
In 1924, St. Gabriel Mission opened year round. At this time, St. Gabriel became associated with St. Ann Parish on Naugatuck Avenue Devon, CT. St. Gabriel continued as a Mission of St. Ann until 1946. St Gabriel Church, no longer a mission, finally became able to support a Church, following a growing population in the West Shore area.
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