- At first, the School Sisters of Notre Dame was just a convent and an orphanage.
- However, in 1859, a private school was started in the convent, and one of the classrooms was used as a temporary church for the people nearby.
- Soon, the church outgrew the classroom and was moved to the Sister’s chapel, called Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- This chapel then became the parish church.
- Later in 1868, a new brick church was built in the convent grounds, but it was soon outgrown and demolished.
- In 1921, St. Mary’s church was then built on the intersection of Watertown Plank Road and Juneau Boulevard.
- Now, the old church is being used as a realtors office.
- Today, St. Mary’s Parish is located across the street where it is being used as a Catholic school and an active parish.