Romanesque in style, its interior paintings, scenes from the Old and New Testaments, were recreated by N.O. Rochon, a local artist here at the time, from the originals of the French artist Tissaud, who had given permission to use his famous works.

This church, now home of a faith community of more than 1000 families, is the fulfillment of the vision of Rev. Antoine P. Clermont, pastor from 1892-1909.  However, the parish was founded in 1873 when Rev. J.S. Michaud became its first resident pastor.  Before that, church records show that the first Mass was celebrated at a plan called Indian Point in 1840 by a priest from the nearby province of Quebec.  After Fr. Michaud came, he set about building the first St. Mary's on Pleasant Street, a wood-frame structure which is the present Knights of Columbus Hall.  The name, Star of the Sea, was chosen because of its setting with the view of the lake.

Next to the west side of the church, the rectory was built in 1877.  In time, a wing was added for classrooms, in which children were taught school, first by lay people, then by the Sisters of the Daughters of Charity, who came here in 1905.  This building still stands next to the K of C hall.

The Catholic population grew and by the time Fr. Clermont came in 1892, it was obvious that the first church, with its 250 seating capacity, was inadequate for the parish.

With a vision seemingly far ahead of his time and perhaps Providentially guided, Fr. Clermont soon acquired several parcels of land on Prospect Street.  On one he built a wood-frame parish hall, called Green Mountain Hall.  This was used for parish gatherings and fund-raisers to benefit the parish.  This building later became Sacred Heart School and Convent.

The other parcels of land were for the church-to-be, in Fr. Clermont's mind, "an inspirational house of beauty, and prayer, befitting our God, not of wood, but of stone."  And of stone it was constructed.  Great, granite stones, some of them "33 inches thick", church history indicates.

Under Fr. Clermont's leadership, plans were made and some materials bought in 1902.  Excavating did not begin until 1903.  It was not an easy venture.  Beset, not only with financial problems, there was discord with then Bishop J.S. Michaud, the man who had been this parish's first pastor, the builder of the first St. Mary's.  Nevertheless, Fr. Clermont persisted in his dream and the church was finally completed.  But not while he was pastor.  The bitter struggles took their toll and Fr. Clermont's resignation was accepted in December, 1908.

In the midst of those controversial years, Fr. Clermont faithfully ministered to his people; yet often laboring with the construction workers.  He is credited with bringing the first group of Sisters here to teach the children.  The Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus came to Newport from Canada as his request in 1905.  They not only taught school, they staffed and operated a hospital, called the White House, in a building on a hill above the Green Mountain Hall.  The hospital eventually became Maison St. Joseph, a boarding residence for grade school age boys attending Sacred Heart School.  These buildings no longer exist, but their memories do, as do the memories of Fr. Clermont and his service.

Although the final stages of completing the church and its dedication were under a new pastor, Rev. J.M.H. Bastien, this church stands as a living testimonial to Fr. Clermont's valiant efforts.  Furthermore, it is also a testimonial to the people in this area.  From the local quarries, in and around Newport, came the great granite stones; the labor was by stonecutters and other men who lived here; the support was from the 350 or so Catholic families living here and the non-parishioners and the citizens of the community of Newport as well.  There is no doubt that this tremendous undertaking, a seemingly "impossible dream", could not have been accomplished without such combined loyalty and dedication.

St. Mary Star of the Sea is visible from many parts of the Newport area.  At night, when it's lighted, it becomes a welcoming beacon for boaters, winter sports enthusiasts or just for folks who live in the lake area.  The vista from its stone steps attracts visitors throughout the year.  It has become one of Newport's most visited placed for taking pictures and for simply enjoying the serenity of its interior.  It is often referred to as the "Cathedral of the North".

Rev. Yvon J. Royer is the present pastor and Rev. Dallas St. Peter the associate pastor for the parish of St. Mary Star of the Sea.