Our Lady of the Lake Mt. Arlington was incorporated as a parish in 1938 and became responsible for the mission of Star of the Sea.  Rev. John F. Brady served as pastor and Administrator to OLSOS until 1945. Fr. Joseph Duffy served as administrator from 1945 till 1957.  Then tragedy struck Sunday afternoon August 13, 1956.  The wooden structure burned to the ground within minutes.  After the fire Ellen T. Briggs was used for Sunday Masses.

In 1957 Rev. Francis P. McGowan championed the fundraising to build our new church.  The cornerstone of the church was erected in October 1958, just three years and three days after the fire.  The Church was dedicated by Bishop James McNulty of the Paterson diocese on August 16, 1959.  The seating capacity of the church is 350-400 people.

Rev. Brendan Madden was pastor of Our Lady of the Lake and Administrator to OLSOS  from 1964 – 1968.  Rev. William Lawler was pastor of Our Lady of the Lake and Administrator from 1968 – 1969.  In 1971 Fr. Lindgren became the first pastor of OLSOS when it became a full-fledged parish.  A Rosary Altar Society was established in 1972.  Fr. John Quinlan, associate pastor, instituted the first CCD Program, Couples Club and Youth Group in 1972.  During this time there were folk masses, square dances, parish picnics, a housewife’s mass, men’s softball team, and babysitting services for the 10:00 am mass.

In 1974 Fr. Lebiedz was pastor and in 1975 Fr. Leo Carey became pastor.  In 1976 Sr. Dorothy Vespia, S.C. became the full –time coordinator of the Religious Education program.   In 1990 major restoration of the church was undertaken of the pews, ceiling, lighting, carpeting and walls of the church.

Fr. Carey retired in 1992 and OLSOS welcomed Fr.  P. Christopher Muldoon as it’s pastor.   Fr. Chris, as he is known, established many programs and activities at the church.  Ministries such as the RCIA and Antioch programs were instituted. 

In 1992 Sr. Evelyn O’Connor, C.S.J.P. became the Director of Religious Education.  In 1995 the first Parish Advisory Board was established.   Sr. Kathleen Doyle, C.S.J.P. became the new Director of Religious Education in 1996. 

On May 1, 1999 Vincent Pisano was ordained to the Permanent Deaconate and became OLSOS first Deacon.  In 2008 we said farewell to Deacon Vince and his wife as they relocated to Delaware.  By 1999 our CCD program was bursting at the seams at E.T. Briggs School and it was soon discovered that we would have to find another home for the Religious Ed classes.  A building campaign was established and by 2002 the construction of new parish center began.  Through the generosity of our parishioners we were able to complete the building and the parking lot.  The new Parish Center was opened and blessed by Bishop Rodimer on September 6, 2003.   Outside our Parish center is a memorial walkway.  Parishioners can purchase a memorial paver to commemorate a special occasion for a loved one and have it inserted into this walkway.

In May 2007 Alberto Totino became the second deacon ordained as a Permanent Deacon.  Today if you venture in back of our parish center you will come to an outdoor altar.  This altar was constructed by an Eagle Scout, Edward Sanford, Jr. in 2007.  The bucolic surroundings instill a feeling of spiritual renewal.  All are welcome.