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 St. Mary, Montague Bridge
Although at a very early date one or two Irish Catholic families had settled in the immediate vicinity of Montague Bridge, it was not until the arrival there of Austin C. MacDonald Esq. M.P. and of Pierce Gaul, Esq. who followed a year or two later, that any steps were taken towards the formation of a Catholic mission in that place. The nearest resident priest on the south side of the Montague, was the Rev. James Phelan of Vernon River, who used to come to Montague Bridge occasionally and hold a station in Mr. Gauls house. When Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Gaul proposed the scheme of erecting a church, they received great encouragement and assistance from the Irish settlers of Sparrow's Road, who cheerfully gave their time and labour, going in a body to the woods, hewing logs and hauling them to the mill always taking care to have a surplus quantity, the sale of which would pay for the work done on the lumber required for the church.
A subscription list was opened in which figure the names of Catholics near and far, One Mr. Power, one of the early settlers of the place was a generous donor, and the names of Sir Edward Kenny, and the late Hon. Daniel Brown are down for considerable amounts. In 1866 it was determined to hold a tea party the proceeds of which should go to swell the church fund. This tea party, towards which the Protestant neighbours kindly contributed, was most successful and was the first of several in aid of the same cause. St. Mary's Church was accordingly commenced and was opened for service in 1871. It was blessed by the Bishop in 1872, the sermon on the occasion being preached by Rev. D. O'Brien, now Archbishop of Halifax. In 1874 the parochial house was completed and Rev. William Phelan went there to live, the first resident priest of Montague Bridge. Up to that date the mission had been attended first from Vernon River of which parish Rev. James Phelan was pastor, then from Montague West, where the Rev. William Phelan at one time resided. It was not detached from Montague West until 1881.
St. Mary's Church stands on very high land, about one hundred and fifty feet above the level of the sea. The Dimensions of the church are eighty feet by thirty five. The pews and deep surbase are of ash with black walnut trimmings, as is also the front of the gallery, which a very good effect, it being executed in fret-work of a light and elegant design, suggesting the appearance of the womens' gallery in a jewish synagogue. The altar is white and pale blue, with touches of gold, the frontal is in imitation of brown marble. Above the Altar is a large copy in oils of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, by Nurillo. At each side of this painting is a lancet window in stained glass, one representing the Madonna and child, the other St. Joseph. On the walls of the Sanctuary are delictely frescoed pictures of St. Peter and St. Paul. The Communion Railing is of black walnut and brass. St. Mary's cannot fail to impress the visitor as a neat, tasteful and pretty little church. The presbytery, standing in the midst of a fine garden looks very cosy and comfortable. The view from the church property is charming, taking in a fine agricultural country through which flows the beautiful Montague River. The landscape, a short distance above the bridge where the river divides into two sinnuous branches, offers as pretty a bit of pastoral scenery as can be found in Prince Edward Island.
The village at Montague Bridge is quite a busy little centre with a rapidly increasing population. Ships come up here to load, and a considerable business is done, as is testified by the fact of the Dominion Government, having consented to put up a Post Office and custom house which add materially to the appearance of the village.
First Catholic Settlers of the Mission of
St. Mary
Montague Bridge
Kelly - A Shoemaker
Joseph Power - with a family of eighteen
Martin Lambert - from Waterford, Ireland
Austin C. MacDonald, Esq., M.P.
Pierce Gaul, Esq.
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