Lithuanians began settling in the Hartford, Connecticut area in the 1890s. By 1894, Father Joseph Zebris, who had been celebrating Mass in Waterbury, Connecticut, began his mission in Hartford. There were 20 Lithuanian families was established in Hartford. Father Zebris, founded "The Sons of Lithuania Society" in Hartford in 1896, under the patronage of St. John the Baptist.
In June 1898, Father Zebris was appointed as pastor of a church in New Britain. During the 19th century, many Lithuanians immigrated to foreign countries, most choosing the eastern part of the United States. About 80 immigrants settled in Hartford. Father Zebris organized a meeting for all Lithuanian Hartfordites and those from Windsor and Poquonock to discuss offering Mass on Sundays in Hartford. The immigrants held a July 4th bazaar, and from the proceeds were able to rent a large room in a building on the corner of Sheldon and Main Street for $12 a month. They celebrated their first Mass there on July 17, 1898.[1]
References
^Wolkovich-Valkavičius, William. Lithuanian Religious Life in America: a Compendium of 150 Roman Catholic Parishes and Institutions. Norwood, MA: Corporate Fulfillment Systems, 1991-98.
Trumpa Hartford'o Lietuvių Kolonijos istorija. - Hartford, 1923. - 40 p.
Auksinis Jubuliejus 1900 - 1950 Įv. Trejybės parapija. - Hartford, 1950.