Community 103

Photo by Morley S Acorn Courtesy Plclures of the Paul by leards

St. Mary’s Church built 1901, burned 1929

Note the wooden fence surrounding the cemetery and the older church building on the right.

by a beautiful structure of red Island sandstone quarried at St. Cath- erine’s.34 Its architect was William Critchlow Harris, J r.35 The cornerstone was laid on August 4, 1901.36 It was officially opened on January 6, 1904. On March 10, 1929 it was gutted by fire. It was rebuilt with some changes in design and reopened on September 7, 1930.37

It was during the pastorate of Rev. Donald MacDonald that St. Mary’s Convent was begun in 1876 and finished in 188].38 It was situated near the church on the west side of the street. In this building the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame contributed to the religious and educational life of the parish for many years. Many memories cling to St. Mary’s Convent chapel. Native born priests have chosen it as the hallowed spot of their First Mass. Prominent among these was the Right Reverend Monsig— nor Richard R. St. John, first native son to be ordained.39 He was born on December 9, 1895 at Souris and ordained priest at St. Dunstan’s Cathedral, Charlottetown on December 21,1919. He died in Chicago on February 17, 1954. His remains were interred in St. Mary’s cemetery, Souris.“0

The first Elders of the Mission of St. Mary’s were Donald Allan MacDon- ald, Souris; Francois LaVie, Souris; Angus MacDonald (Hector), Chepstow.

The Catholic settlers of the Mission of St. Mary’s were Michael Chiverie (1805), Jean Longuepee (1810), Toussaint Longuepee (1810), Fidele Paquet (1813), Cyprian Paquet (1813), John McPhee (1814), Francois Chiverie (1819), Francois LaVie (1820), Paul Boucher (1820), Neil MacLellan, John