eight priests have been ordained from Vernon River Parish, and this in- cludes the five Rooney brothers, who were born in Iona, but later moved to Vernon River. One of these priests received the fullness of ordination as a Bishop and founded the church extension society in the United States where he laboured — Bishop Francis Clement Kelly. Forty-seven Sisters have dedicated their lives to the service of Christ as have nine Brothers. Two double ordinations have occurred in the parish: in 1917, Reverend Charles MacDonald and' Reverend Joseph Rooney were ordained; and in 1931, Reverend Joseph Walsh and Reverend Wilfred Dunphy.

Nine priests have served as resident pastors during the history of the parish: 1838-1862 Fr. James Brady 1863-1890 Fr. James Phelan 1890-1907 Fr. Patrick Doyle 1907-1912 Fr. James Morrison 1912-1913 Fr. James Phelan 1913-1937 Fr. P. D. MacGuigan 1937-1948 Msgr. Maurice MacDonald 1948-1968 Fr. Urban Gillis

1968- Fr. 0. P. Wood

The following have served as assistants: 1887- Fr. Eugene Boyd 1887- Fr. A. E. Burke 1904-1905 Fr. Martin Monaghan 1909- Fr. Pius MacDonald 1912- Fr. Matthias Smith 1913- Fr. D. P Croken 1913-1914 Fr. Felix L. Connolly 1937 - Fr. Joseph Trainor

1949-1950 Fr. Sylvere Gallant 1950-1952 Fr. James Smith 1952-1954 Fr. N azaire Gallant 1955-1958 Fr. John E. Cash 1958-1967 Fr. Clifford Murphy, Administrator. October, 1967, June, 1968.

Reverend John F. Johnston and Reverend J. A. MacDonald and a few others also served as assistants for short terms.

At the present time the parish comprises the following districts: Cherry Valley, Earnscliffe, China Point, Pownal, Lake Verde, Avondale, Glencoe, Village Green, Summerville, Alberry Plains, Orwell, Uigg, Vernon River, Orwell Cove, Elliotvale, Fairville, Vernon, Millview, Hermitage, Kinross and Watervale.

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