Kl N KO RA (5t. Malachy’s)

HI: BEGINNINGS or THIs PARISH date to

the mid 18305 with the arrival oF

settlers From Ireland. Over the next Few years more Irish immigrants came.

In 1847 the people built a pretty little church, dedicated to St. Malachy. a twelFth century Irish bishop. It is probable that this name was also connected to Father Malachy Reynolds, their First regional pastor. In 1872 the church was considerably enlarged.

The First rectory was constructed in the 18505 and the present one in 1886. Parish priests have lived here since at least the 1860s.

In 1901 the present handsome and spacious church opened its doors, leaving the old one to be used as a hall. This is another oFthe ”Harris churches” oFI’.E.I. and very much resembles the church at Indian River.

The Sisters oF Saint Martha established a convent at Kinkora in 1921. In 1935 they purchased the MJ. McIver residence which they later enlarged and used For a girls' boarding school For many years. In 1941. under the leadership oFthe sisters, Kinkora began a high school program. the First on the Island outside Charlottetown and Summerside. It was really a combination 0F grades XI and XII. set up under the Maritime Board

Over the years this parish community was known as Southwest, reFerring to a branch oFthe Dunk River. For a time it was known as Somerset. The present name is

probably taken From “Kincora” in Ireland.

The parish contains

some oF the Island's Finest Farm lands. Across

its sweeping hills and valleys can be seen some oFthe choicest rural views on the Island.

‘" St. Malachy’s is a

‘ parish oFabout 250

1" Families. Adjusting to the Faith needs oFa multigenerational community in changing times is a priority in

/ - 7" .. pastoral outreach.