MISSION OF ST. GEORGE

GRAND RIVER EAST

The first settlers in this parish came from South Uist, Scotland about the year 1789. They crossed the Atlantic in a vessel called the “Queen“ landing in Charlottetown. they proceeded to Scotch Fort where they first settled. and where they remained.seven or eight years as tenants on the MacDonald estate. Becoming dissatisfied with the treatment they received at the hands of their landlord. five of them went on an exploring expedition towards the eastern end of the Island looking for a suitable place on which to settle they found one

one the tongue of land being between Grand River and Cardigan Bridge where they

determined to make their home.

These five men were Angus Walker, Donald McCormack. Roderick McDonald, Donald McDonald and John McPhee, They settled on the extreme end of Launching Point. where they built a few rude log huts. They then commenced clearing the land

and cultivated it in narrow ridges. side by side. Their farms were not repularly divided until some years later. Soon after their arrival. they were Joined by Hugh Morrison and Angus McPherson, and one McAskrell. About the same time John McLean and Angus McLean came to the neighborhood of de gros Marsh and Duncan Campbell and Farquhar Campbell to Cardigan Wharf. or Newport. as it is now called. These men were all ardent Catholics and their very first thought. after building shelter for themselves and their families was to provide a suitable place of worship. Their first endeavour resulted in a modest log chapel built at Launching Point. Here they assembled for prayer upon all Sundays and Holy Days. They had the consolation of hearing mass once every three or four months when Bishop McEachern would visit their settlemtnt. About the year 1820. encouraged by the good old Bishop, they erected a new chapel. which was dedicated to St.

Michael the Archangel. This was a frame building forty five feet in length by

twenty six in width. It was used for divine service until the present church