LITTLE PON D ( St. Francis de Sales)

1~'I{\V'A(ji\1)1/\N FAMILIES settled in this

area in the late 17005 and these were

followed by Scottish settlers who moved there in the early 1800s.

In 1863 the present church was built and dedicated to St. Francis de Sales. From early historical notes it appears that Father Francis MacDonald. the pastor over that wide area. was not in favor of putting a church there but Bishop MacIntyre, a builder ofnote, agreed with the parishioners and so it was done.

A large rectory stood for many years beside the church and used for weekend visits by the priests. In the 19405 it was removed. Over the years Little Pond has been served by the pastors at Souris. Rollo Bay, St. Charles and St. George’s.

Around 1900 the parishioners of Little Pond, along with their Baptist and United Church neighbors. invested in an impressive summer—winter hearse which all three congregations used until 1951. This was an example of practiced ecumenism before its time.

One of the most prominent natives of Little Pond is Bishop Faber MacDonald, Bishop ofSaintjohn since 1999. Prior to that he was Bishop of Grand Falls, Newfoundland. Three other priests and four religious sisters came from this small church community.

Today St. Francis de Sales Parish has forty families. The little church and cemetery present a charming picture while all around thrive excellent farms. Several bays lap its pretty shore while farther out lie the immense waters of the Northumberland Strait.

OUR PARISHES 71