Among the first families in Cascade were the Eardleys, Mays, McKnights, Hennesseys, Shays, Sheehans, Nultys, Broughans, Burns, Flannerys, Pierces, Riordans, Lennons, Grahams, and Madigans.

The parish was first visited by Father Viszoczky in 1849. Mass was said in private homes. In 1856, Fr. De Ceunick organized the congregation and the church was erected of wood with a stone foundation in that same year. The cost was $1,000. Sunday school was conducted each week. Fr. Rievers said Mass monthly in St. Mary's, Cascade, in the 1870's. There were then about forty-seven families.

Other pastors have been the Rev. Thomas Whalen, Rev. James Crumley, Rev. James Byrne, Rev. John Troy, Rev. Dennis Behan, Rev. Robert Neuman, Rev.Edward Racette and Rev. Speer Strahan.

The church was built in 1889 by the Rev. Thomas Whalen, who also built the Church of St. Patrick in Bowne. The cornerstone was laid on June 24, 1888. The rectory was built about 1890 by the Rev. James Byrne.

St. Mary's- Cascade, and St. Patrick's- Bowne, are now part of Holy Family Catholic Church in Caledonia.