Catholic Parishes in PEI (c. 1885) by Rev. Alfred E. Burke
Please see the Contents page for information on this and other historical sketches of PEI Roman Catholic parishes, as compiled by Father Alfred Burke circa 1885.
The Mission of All Saints, Cardigan Bridge
In the early part of the present century the country now comprised in the parish of All Saints, was settled by nine Catholic families, chiefly from uist in the Western Highlands of Scotland. In 1862 a bridge was built over the Cardigan River, about two miles below the one which since the memory of the oldest "inhabitant" had spanned the "Head of Cardigan". Roads leading to the bridge were opened the same year, thus affording easy communication between all points of the surrounding country. Houses began to spring up along the roadsides, the shipping trade found a centre here, more Scotch and Irish families arrived to swell the population and everything pointed to the new settlement at Cardigan Bridge as a good location for a mission church. It was, accordingly decided to build one, and the contract was let in the spring of 1874. The church of All Saints was opened on the 1st November of the same year. Its dimensions are eighty feet in length by thirty five in breadth. It has lately been completed interiorly and is a very neat and pretty edifice. It is furnished with galleries.The walls are white, the deep wainscotting, and the pews being of ash. The end of each pew is finished with a large Latin Cross in black walnut.
The altar which in this diocese is unique of its kind, is of Italian marble, relieved by Nova Scotia free stone richly carved. It is gothic in style, the centre arch surmounted by a massive stone cross, shows in bas relief, slightly touched with gold, the design of the Blessed Sacrament, raised above the chalice and supported by two hands. Above this is the Agnus Dei, and below, the implements of the Passion carved in stone. This arch is supported at either side by stone pillars on which are traced, delicate grape vines and clusters of fruit. These pillars are also surmounted by stone crosses. Two smaller arches bear sheaves of wheat, also carved in bas relief. The front of the altar is formed by three gothic arches rising over marble slabs, which bear the letters of the Sacred Monogram Wings, thrown out from the ends of the altar, are furnished in like manner, the fontal slabs being engraved with crosses, surmounted by crowns of golden leaves. This altar was designed and executed by Mr. William P. Lewis, formerly of Dunifries in Scotland, now a resident of Cardigan parish. There are two temporary side altars; that dedicated to Our Lady holds a statue of the Immaculate Conception, beneath which is a white shield bearing the Monogram of the Blessed Virgin, surmounted by a crown and encircled by the invocation Regina Sancti Rosarii, Ora Pro Nobis.
St. Joseph's altar is surmounted by his statue, beneath which is a shield of white, whereon is a golden passion flower. Above the blossom in letters of gold is traced.
Ite Ad Joseph
beneath it
Sancto Joseph, Ara Pro Nobis
The credence table is of marble above the Blessed Virgin Altar hangs a copy of Guido's Mater Dolorosa, above that of St. Joseph is a fine print of the Crucifixion. The Communion Railing is of marble, the font of Nova Scotia free stone. Upon each of the wings of the altar is placed an adoring angel. These statues are cast in metal are imported from New York. The stations of the Cross, which are of carton pierre, in bas relief cost four hundred and fifty dollars and were given as memorials by fourteen members of the congregation. The late pastor of the mission the very Rev. D. McDonald, added to the church a very fine vestry, of which the dimensions are thirty five feet by twenty five. A stranger visiting All Saint's Church will be struck by the reverent and attentive attitude of the congregation and the excellent deportment of the choir boys, but more especially by the Christian courtesy which prompts the pew holders to watch for strangers who may be standing in the aisles and to offer them seats with genuine and gracious hospitality. Across the road, from the church is the graveyard, fragrant with juniper and sweet fern, and beautiful with golden rod, and white immortelles, natures own garlands for the dead. A tall wooden cross here commemorates a Redemptorist Mission given in 1884.
There are some very handsome monuments in this cemetery. The parish of Cardigan was formed from the six surrounding parishes, namely, Old Launching, St. Peter's, Baldwins Road, Vernon River, Montague Bridge and Georgetown. Among the early settlers were two heads of families named MacDonald, who as that patronymic was not uncommon, were given "nick names" for distinction. One of these men was called Alexander McDonald - Lord - the other Angus McDonald, - Carpenter, he being a carpenter by trade, while the former a man of singular personal beauty and good address, was dubbed An Mor Mhaor, the word dude then being unknown. The descendants of these two men are to this day called the Lords and the Carpenters.
First Settlers of the Mission of
All Saints
Cardigan Bridge
| Donald McAulay | from Uist |
| Donald McKinnon | from Uist |
| Donald Wilson | from Uist |
| William Wilson | from Uist |
| Kenneth McKenzie | from Kinitail |
| Donald Campbell | from Uist |
| Hugh McCormack | from Uist |
| Alexander McDonald (Lord) | from Uist |
| Angus McDonald (Carpenter) | from Uist |
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