County. There is some evidence to suggest (Creamer file, P.E.I.M.H.F.) that the builder imported some of the carved wooden ornaments from Germany and integrated them in his altars, while other sources suggest that he himself was an accomplished wood carver. At any rate, these altars are exceptionally fine, even ele— gant, examples of their type, and are a treasure in the wake of the destruction that took place following Vatican II.

The decision of the parish, after all these years, to have a complete stained glass cycle of windows installed, is an example of the living Faith of the people and a memorial to their generosi— ty. Few churches on the Island have ever been able to fill all their windows with stained glass, especially all of one design that holds together from an artistic point of view. The first church to do that in the province was at Tignish where one can still see the 1860’s windows. The second, and, as far as we know, only other place is at Palmer Road.

The lovely church, so little known to Islanders in general, is an architectural gem of considerable importance, not only to the Island but to Canada as a whole. This is so not only because of its fine design and craftsmanship, both inside and out, but also because of its association with Francois Xavier Meloche, an artist/architect who has yet to take his proper place in the annals of Canadian art.

PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS

On January 5, 1891 it is recorded that Bishop James Charles MacDonald made a special visit (by train) to Palmer Road for the purpose of planning the new church and organizing its construc— tion. Old timers spoke of huge piles of lumber brought by Schooner from Miramichi to supplement local supplies. The departure of Fr. Picotte shortly after (April, 1891) may have delayed progress. The arrival of his replacement, Rev. J.C. MacMillan, only in June, 1891, his serious illness in February, 1892, and the fact that Rev. MacMillan was writing his opus, The History of the Catholic Church on PEI. may have been a further delay. But the fact that the foreman to be hired was still occupied with the building of Miscouche Church is likely the main reason.

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