CARDIGAN (Al/ Saints)

N THl-L EARLY 18008 a few Scottish immigrant

families settled this area and eventually

other Scottish and some Irish families joined them. In 1874 they built the present beautiful church which they dedicated to All Saints. Of French Gothic design. one of its special features was the main altar of Italian marble constructed by parishioner William Lewis.

The rectory is undated but is said to have been moved to its present site before 1900 after which the two towers were added. Fatherjohn MacMillan was the first resident pastor and served from 1894 until 1916. One ofhis magnificent accomplishments while in Cardigan was his writing of a two—volume history of the Catholic Church in Prince Edward Island coverinaoT the years 1720 to 1891.

I]. Bowlen, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta in the 1950s. was a native ofCardigan Parish. His brother, Father William Bowlen. while pastor at High River, Alberta baptized former Prime l\4inister_loe Clark.

In 1954 the parishioners constructed a Marian archway at the en trance of the church to commemorate that year's well celebrated Marian Year throughout the world

In recent years the church has received extensive renovations, including a splendid new basement with facilities for its parish functions. One ofits sections is named the "MacMillan Room" after the above— mentioned pastor and in which parish wakes are held.

Named after one of the earls of Cardigan, the village area where the church is located offers a picturesque view. touched of“ by the beauty ofits river of the same name which winds through the centre of the

parish.

Today there are 160 families in All Saints Parish.