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Lithuanians began settling in the Hartford area in the 1890's.

By 1894, Reverend Joseph Zebris, who had been serving Mass in Waterbury, CT, began his mission in Hartford, where a nucleus of 20 Lithuanian families was established. His endeavor was to unify the Lithuanian families, and did so by organizing “The Sons of Lithuania Society” in Hartford in 1896, under the patronage of St. John the Baptist Society.

In June of 1898, Father Zebris was appointed as Pastor of a lithuanian church in New Britain. This, however, did not diminish his fervor of Hartford's Lithuanian Catholics ability to celebrate Mass in their native tongue.

During the latter half of the 19 th century, many Lithuanians immigrated to foreign countries, most choosing the eastern part of the United States, where a better developed industry offered more jobs and better wages.

About 80 immigrants settled in Hartford. Reverend Zebris organized a meeting for all Lithuanian Hartfordites and those from Windsor and Poquonock to discuss offering Holy Mass on Sundays in Hartford. The faithful and ardent immigrants held a July 4 th bazaar/picnic, and from the proceeds were able to rent a large room in a building on the corner of Sheldon and Main Streets, Hartford for $12.00 a month where their first Holy Mass was celebrated on July 17, 1898.

It was not the best situation for the people to be without a formal church or parish hall. By the year 1900, the Hartford Lithuanian mission had grown immensely, and Pastor J. Zebris addressed the Diocese, that it recognize the Hartford Lithuanian Catholic community as it's own entity. Therefore this year is considered as the beginning date for the establishment of the Hartford Lithuanian Catholic church.

Through the efforts of Reverend Zebris, property was acquired June 22, 1903, consisting of a lot and a two-story brick building on 41 Capitol Avenue, with a loan for $10,000.

The parishioners renovated a part of this building to be used as a church, which on August 18, 1903, was consecrated and named “The Lithuanian Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Redeemer”.

A celebration followed with a parade, orchestra, and priests from various Lithuanian parishes, as well as organizations, i.e.”The Lithuanian Roman Catholic Sons Society” and “The Knights of Lithuania, Chapter 6”. At the ceremony, Vicar General Reverend John Synott and Pastor Zebris of Waterbury, and other Lithuanian Priests, including Joseph Jakstys (St. Casimer Parish, Worcester, MA), Anthony Milukas (Zvaigsdute publisher), Peter Saurusaitis and John Ambot ( St. Joseph Polish Parish, Norwich, CT) were present.

Although the parishioners material possessions were lean, their conviction to keep the church viable was strong. This goal, was aided by more Lithuanians settling in Hartford and in the year 1912, the loan of $10,000., was paid off.