' often necessitated a Journey to Rustico. where there was in those days. a resident priest.

In 1803 when Bishop Denant visited Prince Edward Island and in 1812 when Bishop 'Plessis made the tour of his maritime missions. the faithful of Tignish came

down to Malpec to partake of the privilege afforded them by the presence of the Bishop.

They flocked to the sacraments and many children of tender years were confirmed

in accordance with the custom of the time.

The good peeple of this mission put up their first church in the year 1801. it

was a log building thirty feet long by twenty five wide. It was furnished

with a gallery. and the roof was shingled.

In addition to the church they erected a small parochial house. These were built about the year 1801. probably under the direction of the Abbe de Caldnne. who was then living at Malpec. they stood near Tignish Pond. on land now in the occupation of Thomas Chaisson. The second church of the mission was built in the year 1826. It was sixty feet long by forty five wide and was framed by one Dixon; William Harper was the carpenter employed to finish the interior.

The site of this church was about half a mile to the westward of the first one. Roads from each point of the compass were eventually opened to it. so that itbecame. as it were. the centre of a square.

Upon the Opening of the new church in 1865 the old one was hauled to Tignish village. where it serves as a grammar school.

The first priest to offer the holy sacrifice of the mass in Tignish was the Abbe de Calonne. who from 1799 to 180}. paid at least a yearly visit to this Ultima Thule. Upon his departure. for England. the care of all the Prince Edward Islanr‘. mission: as well as those of eastern Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

fell upon Father McEachern. who was alone in his charge until 1812. when Father