Over the main door of the church is the motto O Crux ave, spes unica (Hail to the cross, our only hope) - a line from the ancient Latin hymn Vexilla Regis Prodeunt. The inside of the church is adorned with important statues, a wooden carved altar, and gold leaf wrought iron railings. The stained windows also depict important Catholic Saints, and each window was donated by a parishioner.
History
The original church celebrated its first mass on September 14, 1924. The parishioners were largely of French Canadian heritage; after some early controversy over the name of the church, by 1926 the French name Église Sainte-Croix was adopted and the membership became almost entirely French American, as the Irish-American members joined St. Patrick's Church.[1][2]
A new church was constructed after World War II, and an extensive renovation was completed in 1985.[3]
Many marriages took place at Holy Cross Church and a recent book was written by Youville Labonté which relates to the genealogy involved.[4]
Facilities
The Catholic Church of Lewiston has a library of some 3,500 items.[5]
