60 It Happened in Iona

Palmer Road who brought with him his sister, Mrs. Arsenault, as housekeeper and her husband, Fidele, to operate the parish farm. Father Smith from Kelly’s Cross was spoken of in great detail by older residents. He was parish priest from 1913 to 1919. He also farmed a bit, was a well known mover and shaker and a fair fiddler as well. It was under his influence that the hall was built. Father Duffy from Kinkora was 39 when ordained as he had taught school for many years. It was during his term, 1919 to 1933, that the first church burned and the second one was built. Never enjoying the best of health, he died in the rectory in 1933 and is buried in St. Malachy’s cemetery, Kinkora. Father McCarthy of Rollo Bay was pastor from 1933 to 1952. Though not a great mover, he was kind and gentle, a fine preacher and. catechist, especially gifted at ministering to the sick. His parents and sister, Margaret, came to live with him from the outset. Margaret died suddenly in hospital in 19,41 and this really broke the priest’s heart. Both parents lived with him in the rectory until their death well on in years. Father McKenna from Kinkora who came in 1952 was to have as well as his predecessor a l9-year term. He was quiet and industrious and not a bad carpenter. He found lots to do in that line since both the house and church had been relatively untouched by hammer or saw for many years. During his term the second church burned and the third one was built. -

Shielded by a fine hardwood grove to the east, this old house has been a central part of the Iona landscape for many genera- tions. Under its wings it has given shelter to a long succession of parish pastors and visiting clergy, including many bishops. As well it has welcomed to its door generations of parish folk on their friendly visits and official business, some happy, some sad. It has looked on as the hall took shape across the road and as two churches went down in flames before its eyes. Known favourably as the “priest’s house”, it holds within its womb a deep sense of history and reverence. Until the appearance of modern mobility its priestly residents were almost always at home. This fact, with the ever-present light in the window at night, was a source of deep consolation for the people and gave a sense of calm to the community for over a century.