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Athol and Gardner, Massachusetts

Athol (population 11 000) may just be a small town on the Massachusetts map. However, by the surviving Lithuanian sites, Athol area clearly ranks among the top Lithuanian zones of Massachusetts.

The most striking there is the Romance Revival St. Francis Lithuanian church, constructed in 1912-1920 and still operating (105 Main Street) and Lithuanian at the time when much larger cities have lost their Lithuanian churches. It is also one of very few Lithuanian churches to have a surviving original pre-Vatican II interior.

Athol St. Francis Lithuanian church

The church interior is especially decorated and impressive. It has many Lithuanian signs: on the impressive stained glass windows, on the frescos above the church, at the plaque in the memory of Jonas Vizbaras near the entrance, at the window commemorating Lithuanian parishioners who died in the Second World War.

The interior of Athol Lithuanian church

By the number of Lithuanian inscriptions, it is among the leading churches in America, as much is explained in Lithuanian to the parishioners. While the interior looks especially expensive, only the altar table is actually marble, with much of the rest being wooden imitations.

Prior to the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), many other Lithuanian-American churches also had similarly lavish interiors, but they were then simplified. However, in Athol, priest Steponaitis successfully defended the original interior, making this church one of the last Lithuanian churches to have the full original pre-Vatican II splendor. It is also the sole ethnic church in Athol.

Bible scenes with Lithuanian explanations in the Athol church

Under the main church, these is a basement hall for events.

One of many Lithuanian-language objects in the Athol church

Sign of the church

Stained-glass window in the church

Stained-glass window commemorating parishioners who perished in the World War 2

While the church is open largely for the weekly mass alone, there is a 13,5 feet Lithuanian metal cross outside that may be seen by anyone who visits Athol. The cross is unique for being actually made of metal rather than wood, yet still bearing the traditional Lithuanian UNESCO-inscribed forms such as the Pagan-inspired sun around its center. The cross was created by Ramojus Mozoliauskas out of 4,5 tons of Corten steel in 1979. The nearby plaque declares it to be „an original work of art blending the modern and traditional spirits of the original wayside cross“. Among the listed reasons to erect it, a striking one is that crosses were quickly disappearing in Lithuania of the time due to the Soviet atheist persecutions, leading Lithuanian-Americans to seek to transplant the tradition to the USA.

The metal Lithuanian sun-cross in front of the Athol church

The cornerstone of the church also has both Lithuanian and English inscriptions.

Athol also has a Amer-Lithuanian Naturalization Club (365 South St).

Athol Amer-Lithuanian naturalization club

While the club today serves more as a multi-ethnic pub where patrons of various ethnicities are welcome, it still has many Lithuanian details in its interior, such as the Lithuanian National Anthem, the picture of Grand Duke Gediminas. The name is often shortened to „Lith Club“.

The reason for so many Lithuanians arriving at Athol, like in many more cases, was the agitation of those who already came there for their relatives and former neighbors to join them.

Gardner Lithuanian heritage sites

In the nearby Gardner, there is a Lithuanian Outing Association, a 1926-built wooden beach club near the lake (23 Airport Rd). It is open in the summers, offering a peaceful beach, as well as concerts and other events, available to both Lithuanians and non-Lithuanians. The interior includes Lithuanian memorabilia, such as maps and (the most interesting to an outsider) many images from the area‘s Lithuanian history. The main hall is dedicated to Bill and Brone Vysnauskas family, decades-long members of the club. The club is often referred to as "The Lits Beach Club".

Gardner Lithuanian Outing Association

Gardner Lithuanian Outing Association

Gardner also has Anthony's Liquor Mart, a historic Lithuanian family business that includes many Lithuanian flags in its decor and stocks Lithuanian or Lithuanian-inspired beer. It operates since the 1930s, although it has relocated to the current location ~1970s.

Anthony's Liquor Mart sign

However, Gardner Lithuanians never were united enough to build their own full church.

The map

All the Lithuanian locations, described in this article, are marked on this interactive map, made by the "Destination - America" expedition (click the link):

Interactive map of Massachusetts Lithuanian sites