Fall River’s St. Anne Church/Shrine announces 120th anniversary celebration as restoration progress continues

Fall River’s St. Anne Shrine is celebrating a special milestone and has also issued an update on their restoration progress.

According to Bryan Boyle of The St. Anne Shrine Preservation Society, on July 4th in 1906, the Vatican representative to the United States, after 4 years of construction, dedicated the magnificent upper sanctuary and nave of the landmark St. Anne’s Church on the corner of Middle and South Main Streets, overlooking the (then) South Park.

This building, which cost over $250,000 (in 1905 currency…and irreplaceable in today’s money) is celebrating its 120th anniversary this coming Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, with a special Mass of thanksgiving celebrated by Shrine Chaplain Fr. Edward Murphy at 6:30 p.m. in the lower shrine.

In addition to the celebration announcement, Boyle also gave an update on the progress being made to restore the building.

“Extensive repairs have already been accomplished including to the roof, water drainage, walkways, side chapels in the lower church, and improvements to the bell system, lower church organ, and extensive water ingress remediation to stabilize and return the church to active use.

“Plans are far along to accomplish stabilization, cleaning, and repair to the upper church with a view towards opening to the public in advance of the 10th anniversary of the preservation society’s assumption of the responsibility for renovating and protecting this landmark in Fall River.”

All are invited to attend the special celebration.

For more information, contact the shrine at 508-678-1510 during regular business hours.