The proclaiming of 1950 as the Holy Marian Year by our reigning Pontiff Pius XII, was an answer to the continued prayers of Catholics in the Heart of the commonwealth of Massachusetts. Shortly after the doors of the great Basilica were opened came the Papal Bull announcing the appointment of His Excellency, John J. Wright, Titular Bishop of Agea, and Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, as the first Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Worcester. The immediate survey of his new See prompted the establishment of many new and smaller parishes, making this Cathedral City better known as the City of Churches.
Out of this survey a new parish placed under the patronage of Saint George was promulgated in September 1951. This was the seventh of the many living and working monuments for the future of our people committed directly to his care.
The Rev. George V. O'Rourke, former curate of the Cathedral Church was appointed first pastor to administer to the spiritual guidance and needs of those souls living in that part of Worcester known as North Worcester and the Eastern section of Holden. He immediately set out to convert the newly acquired estate of the late Mrs. Harry Worcester Smith to a chapel suitable for the Holy Sacrifice of the mass, which was first celebrated on the twenty fifth day of November 1951. This new chapel, accommodating two hundred parishioners was solemnly blessed with a Solemn Pontifical Mass the same day by our Most Reverend Bishop.
The parishioners of our newly formed parish quickly came forward and as a means of bringing us closer to Christ and to one another formed the St. George's Men's Club, St. George's Women's Guild, St.Vincent de Paul Society, The Legion of Mary, confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Catholic Youth Council, Parish Boy Scouts of America, Senior and Junior Basketball teams, and organized the Senior and Junior Choirs, to assist in the great work of founding a new church for the greater honor and glory of God and their own spiritual needs and progress.
Because of our rapid growth, our good Bishop assigned the Reverends James J. Clifford, Edward R. Durkin, Aloysius A. McGrail, Thomas F. Lonergan, Francis J. Manning and Joseph W. McKiernan to sacerdotal work at St. George's. Increased assistance was obtained from the Jesuits of Holy Cross College and the Sisters of Mercy to cultivate and nurture the spiritual needs of the parish for which we are eternally grateful. Father McKiernan established numerous study groups that continued to flourish under his able guidance and unquenchable zeal.
The seed of this parish, hidden in the northernmost boundaries of the city took root quickly, blossomed forth with many conversions and new parishioners, young and vigorous. The need of a larger and more magnificent house of worship became manifest. With this inspiring record, Father O'Rourke requested and was granted permission by our most Reverend Bishop to erect a new church on land adjacent to our present structure. Through his unceasing efforts, many of his ideas were incorporated into the architectural drawing submitted by Mr. Cornelius W. Buckley, for approval by our Most Reverend Bishop. Contracts were let to Francis Harvey & Sons, Inc. builders, on August 8, 1956.
As a result of new assignments issued by our Most Reverend Bishop, our pastor, Rev. George V. O'Rourke was transferred. Rev. Arthur A. Faron, of Sacred Heart Parish in Hopedale, was sent to succeed him on May 8, 1957. Our new pastor, from the first moment of his arrival, manifesting his apostolic spirit and zeal, won the hearts and devotion of the parishioners of St. George's Parish. He plunged into the great sacerdotal work of completing the task so nobly begun, by inaugurating a building fund drive to reduce the existing indebtedness of our new church. Under his able leadership the men of the parish solicited their fellow parishioners who, taking inspiration from the rising structure, generously oversubscribed the set goal of $135,000 by their magnanimous gifts of self sacrifice.
After many unforeseen delays and through untiring efforts of our pastor, the moment arrived. Our beloved pastor walked to the altar steps to celebrate Holy Mass. It was Christmas Eve 1957. Undoubtedly, this was one of the most beautiful and unforgettable experiences for the founders of this Church. Its exceptionally fine appointments, the simple beauty, harmony and greatness of this House of Worship far surpassed the expectations of the parishioners. This new church brought increased devotion and greater unity to its communicants. The downstairs hall, with its excellent facilities, has stimulated interest in the parish societies designed for parish work.
Our Most Reverend Bishop set the twenty third day of April 1958 for the Solemn Dedication and laying of the cornerstone, appropriately on the Feast of our patron, Saint George, which was followed by conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation on a class of one hundred and six boys and girls of our parish.