Named for Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231).
The first Mass was held in a private home in Bethel in 1880. Visiting priests from Windsor and White River Junction would conduct services, taking the mail train monthly to say early Mass in Bethel, and late Mass in Randolph.
With the discovery of white granite in the surrounding hills, and the advent of the railroads, Irish and Italian families moved into the area, and there became a need for a dedicated church in Bethel. The plan was to build a mission church to serve Bethel and the surrounding areas.
The church itself was built on land purchased for the Diocese by John Kelleher in 1903, during the tenure of Father James Pender (4/15/1903-7/21/1910), who was then the priest at Saints Donatian & Rogatian (now Our Lady of the Angels) in Randolph VT.
Father Michael O’Donnell (7/21/1910-9/1919), finished the preparations and construction of the church.
On December 1, 1913, the church was consecrated by then Bishop J.J. Rice, who confirmed 38 Candidates during the Mass.
Until 1950, St Anthony was a mission of Saints Donatian & Rogatian, Randolph, until the arrival of its first resident pastor, Rev. William D. Fox. The rectory at that time was to the left of the church, on the corner. In 1958, Mary Wynn gave the house next to the church to be used as the rectory.
During the 70’s to 2000, priests from St. Anthony also served Mass in Pittsfield and Killington.
On July 1, 2010 the name was changed to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, comprising St. Anthony and St. Elizabeth. One priest serves both parishes today, as has been the case for a number of years.
Crucifixion window over the altar: Donated by John Keleher and Family in memory of Peter and Mary Keleher.
The original Altar: Donated by Patrick P. Wynn and family