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Learn About Holy Family Parish
Holy Family Parish, in Little Falls, NY, is home to a collection of beautiful stained glass windows.
About the Tour
Take a tour of Holy Family Parish’s historic and priceless stained-glass windows. The windows were installed in 1915 and came from Birmingham, England. Each window depicts a story about the life of Christ.
The Windows—A Brief History from Church Historian, Louis Baum and Peggy Romano
Each of these magnificent windows tells a story about an episode in the life of Jesus Christ. Looking at each window, and understanding the story depicted in its stained glass, helps us to see how windows served as “Biblical teaching tools” during the Medieval Period.
Detailed History
In the early 1870s, the population of Little Falls had grown to nearly 6,000 people, most of whom were of English and Irish parentage. By 1874, Irish Catholics became mill owners, prosperous merchants, educators, and professionals, such as doctors and lawyers. They petitioned the Bishop when it came time to design and build a new place of worship. These parishioners were very generous. The ordinary working people, those toiling in the mills and factories, also pledged small amounts of money, and, in many instances, more than they could afford. What they could not offer in monetary donations, they could provide in labor-digging and preparing the ground for the foundation. They worked tirelessly evenings and on weekends. They completed their labor of love with much sacrifice and hard labor.
The present church edifice, built in the gothic style, was begun in 1874. The stone used in construction was mined from local rock quarries. The laying of the cornerstone took place on Sunday, May 19,1878, and the first Mass took place on Christmas Day 1879. In September 1900, the current high altar was installed. It is constructed of the finest Italian marble and Mexican onyx. The original church building was then completed with a bell tower in 1901. This bell tower and steeple extends to a height of 185 feet, complete with a massive gilded cross.
In 1902, it was announced that the new stations of the cross were to be placed in the church. The list of donors was extensive. The three dimensional figures, located between the stained glass windows, are of stone composition. Each station weighs 350 pounds. The cost of each station at that time was $100.
During the early 1900’s, major renovations were made to Saint Mary’s Church. For the stained glass phase of this restoration project, Saint Mary’s turned to the world’s premier stained glass designers and artisans John Hardman & Company of Birmingham England. The windows were modeled after the English style of the fourteenth century. The name John Hardman appears on only two windows. We will point that out as we proceed.
Stained Glass Windows Team
Location
Holy Family Parish and The Stained Glass Window Tour is located in Little Falls, NY. Little Falls, NY combines the charms of a small town with a much larger city’s conveniences. A snug, unassuming residential community, Little Falls is nestled in a deep gorge of the Mohawk River Valley. From various vantage points, the view is compelling, if not breathtaking. The contemporary Erie Canal is a significant feature of the City. Once the conduit for major commercial traffic, this grand waterway has become a clean, attractive destination for boating and other recreational activities.
A Visual Tour of Faith, Art, and Community
Explore the beauty of Holy Family Parish and the charm of Little Falls through our curated gallery. These images capture the essence of our church, our people, and the sacred spaces that inspire this tour.
Listen to Holy Family Parish Bells Ringing Christmas Hymns
Experience the joy of the season as our church bells fill the air with beloved Christmas hymns. Let the sound of these timeless melodies uplift your spirit and bring the warmth of the holidays to your heart.
Plan My Visit Accommodations
Whether you’re visiting from near or far, we’re happy to help make your stay comfortable.
La Tenuta Farm...
235 Dise Rd. Little Falls,
NY 13365
The Tudor at Willow ..
164 High School Road
Little Falls, NY 13365
Attractions
Canal Harbor and Rotary Park
The City of Little Falls and the New York State Canal Corporation operates our recently renovated Canal Harbor and Rotary Park. The facility offers kayak and canoe rentals, as well as overnight docking, electricity, water, showers, bathrooms, and useful area information. We encourage you to visit area restaurants and shops while visiting the Harbor and Park.
Erie Canal Lock 17
The lift lock was built on the Erie Canal to transport boats between two elevations on the waterway. There are dozens of other locks on the canal, but Number 17 near Little Falls remains the highest. For many years, Lock 17 at Little Falls was the highest lift lock in the world. The Lock is still in operation today.
Rock Valley Brewing Co.
A family-friendly Craft Farm Brewery and Wine Tasting Room. Food truck on site, live music every Saturday and an outdoor Beer Garden! Plus shops, restaurants, and antiques right next door!
Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts
The Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts (MVCA) serves as a catalyst in the Mohawk Valley, enriching the lives of all through the power of art, encompassing performances, exhibitions, and training.
MVCA is dedicated to all aspects of visual and performing arts with multi-generational programs benefiting communities throughout the region. The organization is well known for its diversified programming including its 6-week art classes and workshops that include music, Tai Chi, cell phone photography, and Zentangle among others.
Mohawk Valley Diamond Dogs
The Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Little Falls, New York. They compete in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL), a wood-bat league that provides top college players with an opportunity to develop their skills during the summer months.
Established in 2006, the Diamond Dawgs play their home games at Veterans Memorial Park in Little Falls, a historic ballpark that opened in 1949 and seats approximately 2,000 fans. The team is known for its competitive play, community engagement, and family-friendly atmosphere.
National Baseball Hall of Fame: 40 Minutes from Little Falls, NY
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, stands as a tribute to America’s pastime. Established in 1939, the museum honors the game’s greatest players, managers, umpires, and pioneers. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase baseball’s rich history, from its early days to the modern era, including artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays. The Hall’s Plaque Gallery immortalizes inductees, celebrating their contributions to the sport. Beyond the exhibits, the museum offers educational programs and hosts events like the annual Induction Ceremony, drawing fans from around the world to celebrate the legends of baseball.
Herkimer Diamond Mines
Herkimer Diamonds are beautiful double-terminated quartz crystals found in Herkimer, New York. Incredibly, these phenomenal gemstones are close to five hundred million years old. The crystals are magnificent works of nature, found in the rock, having a diamond-like geometrical shape. Thus, the name recognition of “Herkimer Diamonds”.
Biking on the Erie Canal
The New York State Canalway Bike Trail runs directly alongside the canal, passing Lock 17, Moss Island, and entering the Southside district of Little Falls through a series of scenic gorges. If you are biking through Little Falls, be sure to take time to follow the signs to Canal Place or the downtown for refreshments or a meal, and for some unique sightseeing and shopping opportunities!
Canal Side Inn and Restaurant
The Canal Side Inn is a charming restaurant and inn located in the historic Canal Place district of Little Falls, New York. Nestled near the scenic Erie Canal and the Mohawk River, this establishment offers a blend of traditional French and American cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Whether you’re seeking a memorable dining experience or a relaxing getaway, the Canal Side Inn combines culinary excellence with historic charm.
Photo by Dave Warner.
Municipal Golf Course
Little Falls Municipal Golf Course is a 9-hole public golf course located in the City of Little Falls, NY. Our course is a short drive from NYS Thruway Exit 29A and is perfectly nestled in the Mohawk Valley & foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.
The Little Falls Public Library
Originally opened in 1814, the library moved between several locations throughout Little Falls before finally settling in the donated house of Judge Rollin Hulburt Smith in 1912, where it remains today at 10 Waverly Place.
Welcome to the Little Falls Historical Society and Museum
Originally an 1833 bank, the building where The Little Falls Historical Society Museum is located in Herkimer County, New York, was converted and restored to house thousands of artifacts, family records, and relics of the past. The museum is an educational, eye-opening experience, suitable for all ages.
Books
Stained Glass Window Tour Companion Book
Historic Windows of Holy Family Parish Tour Companion Book
Explore the beauty and history of the Holy Family Parish’s restored stained-glass windows with our comprehensive companion book, for use during your tour of the historic stained glass windows. This book contains the text of the audio tour for those who wish to follow along in book form.
Meditation
Book
The Stained Glass Windows of St. Mary's Little Falls, NY
This book describes the life of Jesus Christ. Each stained glass window depicts a story that the book highlights as seen in magnificent stained glass. Also described is the historical background of these beautiful windows as well as the history of Holy Family Parish.
Contact Us
Have a question, need help planning your visit, or want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you.
Articles
- 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
The 22 windows, from Birmingham England, were installed in 1915 and depict a story about the life of Christ....
- 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Photo by Dave Warner – Ralph Renzulli (left) interviews Louis Baum and Peggy Romano about the upcoming stained glass...
- 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Holy Family Parish is pleased to invite the community to experience and celebrate the beauty of the parish’s historical...
