During the winter of 1716, three families “having sufficient nerve and enterprise to pioneer the settlement of Sutton” settled in three cabins in Sutton Center. These pioneers knew that one of the most needed things was a “Meeting House” where they could hear the “preaching of the Gospel.” Three years later, there began the First Congregational Church of Sutton. The history for the next 100 years shows no Catholic Church in this vicinity. It was 1834 when the First Mass was celebrated in a private home in Millbury by Reverend James Fitton S.J. Father Fitton, in that same year, established the first Catholic Church in the Worcester area, Christ’s Church. This is presently called St. John’s Church. For about 50 years after 1834, the few Catholics in Sutton traveled either to Worcester or to Millbury to Mass.

Fitton helped a group of Millbury Catho­lics organize and build a Church, St. Brigid’s in 1851. In 1883 St. Anne’s Church in Manchaug was built as a mission of St. Dennis’ Church in Douglas. In 1924, the village was almost totally destroyed by fire. All that St. Anne’s had built; the church, the rectory, the school and the con­vent were destroyed. But the parish persevered with a new church and rectory until its closing in 2013.

Over the years the number of Catholics in the Sutton area steadily increased and in 1962 a representative group approached Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan to request the establishment of a parish in Sutton center. He gave his permission and a four acre parcel of land on which stood a 1765 house, now serving as the rectory, was purchased. Masses were served in the old Town Hall. The members of the First Congregational Church of Sutton offered the use of their church as an alternative place of worship. Long before the Ecumenical Movement became household words, Christians of different faiths worked together in true hand-in-hand fellowship for their churches, their community, their families and their schools

It was on Sunday morning, December 13th, 1964 that the Blessing and Dedication of the new St. Mark Church was held. Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan celebrated the Mass. In 1964 the parish had 167 families. What makes a church is not merely its buildings and teachings, but its people answering the message of Jesus. It is the faithful putting into action Jesus’ call, by sharing the gifts and talents we have received. We pass these gifts to our families, friends and those less fortunate through our Ministries at St. Mark’s church.