BLOOMFIELD

OR iTs trust 75 YEARS this parish had its

centre at Cascumpec where as early as

1803 eight Acadian Families lived and soon built a log chapel. In 1839 the people erected a larger church and twenty years later

they had a new rectory as well.

With a shiFt onopulation mote to the west. the parishioners in the mid 1870s built the present day St. Anthony's Church at BloomField (\V’oodstock). Enlargements and Fine Finishing especially the superb interior woodwork, continued For the next quarter

CCHEUI‘Y.

The old Cascumpec church served as a parish hall until 1959 when the parishioners proudly opened their new parish centre. In 1878 the present rectory was constructed and From then until now all their pastors have

lived there.

In 1927 the parish purchased a small vacant Protestant church and moved it to O'Leary where it served as a mission church until the late 19805.

\Vith Few exceptions the St. Anthony's Parish picnics have been an annual event 0F

46 OUR PARISHES

(St. Anthony’s)

social significance and oF economic advantage

since the 1870s. These picnics, especially the excellent meals prepared by the ladies oF the parish, attract a wide circulation oF people, especially Former parishioners who view them

HS £1 H'UC homecon‘iing.

ln 1982 the Sisters oFSaint Martha opened a house in \Xr’oodstock where at least two sisters have been servingY in the ministry oF hospitality and in the wider needs oF

nearby parishes.

Today there are 325 Families in St. Anthony's Parish. Rich Farm lands Flourish within its boundaries and its eastern edges

overFlow with the scenic waters oF Cascumpec Bay and Mill River. The name BloomField appears to he

called aFter its namesake in

Ontario.