In 1870, when the first church was completed, the pastor at Tignish — — and missionary to Palmer Road was Rev. Dougald MacDonald. By 1882, when the Parish Residence was completed, the first resident pastor was appointed in the person of Rev. A.J. Trudelle, formerly from Magdalene Islands and Hope River. After a three year term, Father Trudelle was succeeded by Rev. G.A. Picotte, a priest from Quebec. He stayed until April, 1891, having seen the destruction of the first church and helping to plan the new one when the Bishop visited in January, 1891 for that purpose. He was succeeded by Rev. J .C. MacMillan who, although pastor from June, 1891 to September, 1892 was absent from June, 1892 to September due to a previous illness and heavy work load required for his opus: The Catholic Church on Prince Edward Island. During the summer of 1891 we are told many shiploads of lumber were brought from the Miramichi. It is quite likely that the founda— tion stones were set in place in the fall of 1891 to allow for settling and get an early start in the spring of 1892.

The next pastor, Rev. Jean Chiasson, another native of Tignish, had many relatives among the recently settled parish— ioners. As already noted, he added much to the finishing and fur— nishing. In 1902 Rev. P.C. Gauthier arrived and remained until his death in 1929. There are many memories of his promotion of bet— ‘ ter farming through the Farmer’s Institute, especially his herd of pure bred Holsteins and development of high quality seed pota- toes, also his involvement in fox ranching. He was a scholar and noted lecturer whose interest in education led him to be one of the founders of the St. Thomas Aquinas Society in 1919. His sister, Marguerite, came to teach at Palmer Road South and kept house for him before moving next door as the wife of John Philias Doucette. They raised a family of twelve, including Clovis still on the homestead.

The next pastor, Rev. Patrick Walsh, was a rough and ready Irishman from the hills of Hope River, who continued the farming activities of Father Gauthier. He also continued to provide “securi— ty” at the Annual Picnic and “policed” dances at the hall. During his 38 years here beginning in 1929, the recession of the post World War I twenties became the Depression of the thirties. In spite of this, the Parish was able to build a new residence (1939) and maintain the church in good condition until the economy

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