The above picture was taken shortly after fire ravaged the church. All that remained standing were the sandstone walls.

The members of the parish were not daunted by catastrophe. They immediately began to plan for the construction of a new place of worship. By March 19 of that same year, the parishioners cleared away the debris in preparation for the rebuilding. On May 10, 1929 tenders were called for the construction of the new church. Construction began on May 30, 1929. The new architect, John Hunter, was sympathetic to Harris’ original design. Most of the sandstone walls were retained, with new walls built to provide for changes in design.

The special addition of a clerestory gave a rise to the roof and a greater sense of space. The towering spire, which was completely lost in the fire, was replaced with an octagonal, more ornate, neo-Baroque, brick cap. The exterior structure was completed on January 13, 1930. The interior was completely redecorated in a less Gothic style.

During the period of construction mass was held in the convent auditorium. The opening and blessing of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church was held on September 7, 1930. Rt. Rev. James Morrison, Bishop of

Antigonish, celebrated a Pontifical Mass. Those assisting in the mass included:

9 High Priest Rev. J .N. Poirier

O Deacon of Honour Rev. J .A Murphy, DD 6 Deacon of Mass Rev. R.J. MacDonald O Sub-Deacon of Mass Rev. P. McMahon, DD 0 Master of Ceremonies Rev. M.F. Monaghan 0 Assistant Master of Ceremonies Rev. A.L. Sinnott