MISSION OF ST. JOACHIM

VERNON RIVER

This mission comprises the districts of Cherry Valley, Gallows Point. Lake

Verd. Avondale, Glencoe, Village Green, Summerville, Fairville, Albery Plains, orwell and Uigg. As may be seen from the nomenclatzure of the country. the settlers are of various nationalities. The scotch portion of the parishonere came to Vernon River from the estate of MacDonald of Glenaladale at lracadie. They had settled upon Captain MacDonald's land upon arriving from Scotland, but not being satisfied with their holdings. determined upon moving, and took up their position in what is now called the mission of St. Joachim.

Some of the Irish families in the mission are from Conty Monaghan and were among those who originally formed a part of Fort Augustus Parish. others again from the southern counties of the Emerald Isle. emigrated to Newfoundland and thence found their way to Vernon River. Here and there may be found a sprinkling of English Catholics.

Many of the first parishoners were U.E. Loyalists and retired soldiers, who have to their advantage, exchanged the sword for the plough share. To the Highland families from the Bracadie is due the credit of having built the second ehurch, a small log structure on the Southern side of the road. and very near the river. Prior to the existance of this chapel however, the earliest settlers

of the mission had built a small log chapel at Pownal Bay, near to the present

» location of the Pownal wharf, on the farm of the Late John Haley. Year this

chapel was a burial ground, the site of which is still clearly discernable and contains a solitary head stone. to the memory of John Haley. Both these chapels were of course, built under the superintendance of Bishop McEachern. The third church was erected when Father John MacDonald of Glenaladale was in charge of all

the eastern parishes of the Island. It stood in tie ncrtb tide of the road, and

was a frame building 3— x 25 ft. It was enlarged by Father Brady during his