St. Francis Catholic Cemetery
Waterville
ME

04901-0575

St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville, Maine, United States
St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville, Maine, United States

Who we are

St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, established June 1, 1898, is a traditional monument cemetery owned and operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, Maine.

We take great pride in having served the diverse ethnic population of the greater Waterville area for over 100 years. St. Francis Catholic Cemetery is privileged to be a part of the rich history of the city. Many of our families originally came to the Waterville area to find work in the textile and paper mills that thrived along the banks of the mighty Kennebec River.

The cemetery, originally part of the former St. Francis de Sales Parish, is located on 32 acres of land bordered by the Messalonskee Stream to its west and the city's Pine Grove Cemetery and the Kennebec River to its east.

At the present time, the cemetery contains over 15,000 burials.

The Corpus Christi Cremation Garden, dedicated in September 1998, is a flush marker section exclusively for cremation burial. Its lush green grass is accented by colorful perennial plantings. Its towering split-leaf maples provide shade and a sense of tranquility to the area as their limbs sway in the breeze.

A huge monument constructed of Italian marble and Vermont granite depicting the crucifixion of Christ stands at the head of the garden, while flowers form the shape of a chalice and the Holy Eucharist.

In addition to garden burials, granite benches are available for above ground entombment of cremation urns. A columbarium is also planned for the future that will provide 40 or more above ground niches.

St. Francis Catholic Cemetery provides a wide array of services. Some prices are listed below, but many require estimates. All estimates are free.

Any work done on cemetery grounds must be done by cemetery personnel with the exception of planting flowers, which may be done by individuals. A qualified monument dealer must erect all monuments. A monument application is required and is available at the cemetery office or local monument dealers.

We are a regional cemetery providing service to the Corpus Christi Parish in Waterville and St. Joseph Maronite in Waterville.

Street Address

78 Grove Street
Waterville, ME 04901-0575
United States
Phone: 2078722770
Fax: 2078722770

Download St. Francis Catholic Cemetery vCard



Quote of the Day

2 Corinthians 2:14

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

Denomination


Affiliations:




Website:



Social Media




Leadership

Leader Name:
Leader Position:
Formal Title:
Leader Address:
Tel:
Fax:
(207) 872-2770

Leader Email:
Leader Bio:
Other Church Leaders:

on Social Media:


St. Francis Catholic Cemetery Leadership Photos



Administration

Admin Name:
Admin Position:
Admin Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
2078722770

Admin Email:

Mailing Address

Box 575
Waterville, Maine
04901-0575



St. Francis Catholic Cemetery on the map




Driving Directions to St. Francis Catholic Cemetery

From:
To:
St. Francis Catholic Cemetery - 78 Grove Street, Waterville, ME
Mode of Travel:

Travel/Directions Tips



Parking



St. Francis Catholic Cemetery Waterville Mass Times



Mass Times last updated on the 8th of June, 2022


Worship Languages



Dress code:



Children and Youth Activities

Under 12s:

Under 18s:


Local outreach & community activities:

Other activities & ministries



Special Needs/Accessibility:



Prayers and hymns:

Main Bible:
Hymns and Songs:


Other information:

Average Adult Congregation:
Average Youth Congregation:
Additional Info:



St. Francis Catholic Cemetery Photo Gallery

St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville, Maine, United States
St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Waterville, Maine, United States



St. Francis Catholic Cemetery History

HISTORY OF ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC CEMETERY

A former trotting park was chosen for the site of St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Rev Narcissus Charland, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish, purchased the original tract of land on June 1, 1898; Bishop James Healy consecrated the cemetery, Oct. 14, 1899. The area known as Pine Banks Park was acquired from Central Maine Power Company on July 17, 1944. In September of 1944 Frederick and Tina Poulin along with James and Elizabeth Poulin donated adjacent land which included an old gravel pit and the surrounding property.

The cemetery was operated out of the rectory at St. Francis de Sales until an office was established on cemetery grounds. A garage that stood at 58 Elm Street in Waterville was moved to the cemetery entrance where the building remained until a foundation could be constructed. Eventually the structure was placed on the foundation where it now stands. The inside was finished and cobblestones that were once part of the city streets were used to cover the outside of the building giving it the appearance we see today.

The office was opened about 1951 when William (Bill) Provencher was named the first superintendent. By late 1952 Bill began keeping the first set of complete burial records. Bill retired in December 1969.

Clarence Hebert was named the second superintendent on Jan. 1, 1970. He purchased the first backhoe for the cemetery in 1972 and continued to mechanize cemetery operations throughout his 22-year career. Clarence was instrumental in establishing the first Cemetery Board of Directors, setting the course for the cemetery to become a regional Catholic Cemetery operating independently of St. Francis de Sales Parish. He retired in May 1992.

On June 1, 1992, the Cemetery Committee named Clarence's son, Michael, manager/treasurer. By this time the committee included members of the three Waterville parishes: St Francis de Sales, Sacred Heart and Notre Dame (which, in 1996, were combined to become the Parish of the Holy Spirit ). St. John the Baptist in Winslow also became part of the cemetery committee at this time.

Michael began his career at the cemetery April 15, 1975 as foreman. When he took the reins he decided to continue in his role as foreman, as well as becoming manager/treasurer. Mike's wife, Deb took on the responsibilities of record keeping, bookkeeping and receptionist.

St. Francis Catholic Cemetery is not only a part of the rich history of this community and our church, for within its boundaries is held the history of thousands of local families.


St. Francis Catholic Cemetery Historical Photos




Page administrator:

Contact Email: