Fr. Leonard Ayers

sum of money to the parish. With the consent of the trustees, Father decided to use it to finish the church. The walls and ceiling of the two wings that had been erected nine years before were finished. New pews and a tile floor were add- ed in 1958. Work was also done on the basement of the church.

Father Ayers is well remembered for his two special hobbies: the collec— tion of guns of every type and period, some 200 on his walls and in his halls; and the study and employment of a “ham” radio, for which he received several awards. He was a familiar figure at the school’s annual field day with his pistol marking the start of each race. The firing of a cannon, brought by him from St. Peters Bay, always signified the opening of the lobster season. People wonder what became of his guns. All disappeared. We were told by Theophilus Blanchard of South Rustico, that they were purchased by the War Museum in Ottawa. The cannon is now placed at the cenotaph.

This good pastor kept up the splendid spirit of co-operation that had been evident in the parish since its beginning. He always showed great interest in his people, in education, and his fishermen. His sudden passing in June, 1963 at the early age of 49 shocked and grieved his parishoners and his many friends. Father Thomas MacLellan became the administrator until a permanent appoint- ment was made.

The Second Vatican Council officially opened in the fall of 1962 continuing each fall until the solemn closing on December 8, 1965. “Renewal” is the word most frequently associated with this Council. The people were in- vited to take a more active role in the liturgical celebrations especially the Mass. Father Francis Corcoran, whose appointment became effective in August, 1963,

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