HIi FIRST CATHOLIC I’RI-LSIZNCIS in this

section of the diocese came with the

Acadians who inhabited the area from 1728 until 1758 and who had a church dedicated to the Holy Family at present-day Gillis Point near Port Hill. Unfortunately, deportation essentially ended that community.

In the early 17905 some thirty Scottish Catholic families settled along the river. By 1810 they had a small log church which they replaced eight years later with a new one dedicated to St. Patrick. In 1836 they began the building of the present church and in 1844 the present day rectory was constructed.

In 1890 this church underwent major renovations under the keen eye of architect William

Harris. It was enlarged,

given a new steeple. Gothic windmvs, sham buttresses and more, making it one of our most beautiful churches. Visible for miles. it forms a

picturesque backdrop for the majestic Grand River that cuts deep into the countryside there.

Although it is one of the smaller parishes in the diocese. comprising just sixty families, its pastors have resided in the rectory there almost continuously since 1876. At times they also had responsibility for other nearby parishes‘ such as today when the pastor serves the parishes of Lennox Island and Foxley River as well.

Rich farmlands abound throughout this area, while the vast waters of Malpeque Bay define the parish’s northern and eastern boundaries.

GRAND RIVER Ill\ (St. Patrick’s) '

According to the distinguished Irish

historian, Father Paul Walsh, the church at Grand River has the distinction ofbeing the first church in Canada to be dedicated to St. Patrick.

OUR PARISHES 63