lottetown- Georgetown road across from the present church. He obtained a 999 year lease from Edmund Fanning , a former Lieutenant Governor of the Island, and the proprietor of Lot 50. Fanning treated Father Mac - Eachern quite generously in that he demanded only a yearly rent of one peppercorn for the property. A more commodious church that served the parishioners for nearly two decades was constructed near the shore. In 1829, Angus Bernard MacEachern (now Bishop MacEachern) leased an additional twelve acres of land. The lease was for 999 years and was granted to the Bishop by Louisa and Maria Fanning who had assumed control of Lot 50 after the death of their father in 1818. This land was on the north side of the Charlottetown- Georgetown road. Reverend John MacDonald , the son of Captain John MacDonald , who had charge of the eastern missions, immediately erected a church which was described as being in the general vicinity of the present graveyard. The frame building, which was later enlarged by the Reverend James Brady , who was pastor from 1838 until 1862, served the parishioners until the present church was erected. On August 10, 1865, Damien and Mary MacMillan sold 47 V 2 acres of land to the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation for two hundred and thirteen pounds and fifteen shillings. 28 J /4 acres of this land was situated south of the highway and the remaining 19 V 4 north of the same road. All of the existing parochial buildings, with the exception of the hall, are located upon these 19^4 acres. The purchase of this tract of valuable land was arranged by Reverend James Phelan who became the resident pastor in 1863 and remained in Vernon River until 1890. It was under his direction also that the present stately church of St . Joachim's was erected. He was a man of unlimited energy and, in many ways, is the founder of the parish as it is known today Shortly after his arrival in 1863, he began the construction of the parochial house. In just five years an elegant brick house graced the area. In 1877, under his supervision, the construction of the present brick church was begun with the laying of the corner stone. Two years later, the stately St . Joachim's Church stood completed. These structures are enduring tributes to the zeal of Father Phelan and his parishioners. The Patriot of July 31, 1879 provides us with a description of the church: On either side of the spire are two small ornamental turrets. In the centre of the buildings on both sides are gables, ornamented and surrounded by crosses. To the left of the church at the rear is a small Chapel and opposite is a spacious vestry, both opening into the sanctuary. In front of the building are three spacious entrances.