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 OF THE 
 
 Parish of St. mai 
 
 ^LjaepE, - ©p^^ie. 
 
 ^ci8S8 TCI 1 
 
 'O 
 
 %<r 
 
 BY A PRIEST OF THE DIOCESE OF OTTAWA, 
 
 PRINTED AT THE GAZliTTE OFFICE, ALMONTE. 
 
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r-<»A«>^^B^^Vs>c ^^ 
 
 . 
 
 L4 
 
 ^1' 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 — ■♦• — 
 
 Introduction. ^ . 
 
 Chapter I. Early History of the Mission. 
 
 '* II. First Church Erected, "Old St. Mary's." 
 
 " III. Diocese of Bytown (Now Ottawa) Established. 
 " IV. Second Church Built, "New St, Mary's." 
 " V. Almonte a Parish. 
 
 " VI. Sorrow and Joy. 
 " Vli. Schools. • 
 
 '* VIII. Consecration of St. Mary's. 
 " IX. BlEvSsing of a Peal of Bells. ■ , 
 
 X. Cemeteries. 
 XL Societies of the Parish, Etc. 
 
 XII. LiBRAJlIES. 
 
 XIII. Registers of the Mission. 
 
 XIV. Candidates to the Priesthood. 
 
 XV. List of Priests Who HAve Attended the Mission and 
 Parish. 
 
 Conclusion. 
 
 << 
 
 fi 
 
• -h-ilX^W^^^*-*—- 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 ! 
 
 It is customary to write the history of each diocese, and the 
 separate sketches of its parishes, missions, etc., aid in making a com- 
 plete history. It is said we are always looking into t'he future, but we 
 only see the past. There is, indeed, always an anxious desire to look 
 upon the past, and to see what those before us have done in their day 
 and generation. What more pleasing task than to look over the early 
 history of the parish in which we live, and to note its trials and progress. 
 Should it not be a powerful incentive to us to imitate those who are 
 now no more — to imitate their faith, their virtues, their love for God 
 and His Holy Church. It was this motive that suggested this sketch. 
 We are well aware of its many imperfections; but it could hardly be 
 expected, seeing the long history of the mission (and the few sources of 
 information), to embrace every detail within the limits of these pages. 
 We have aimed at accuracy as far as possible. No doubt some one 
 may hereafter supply its many defects, and give not merely a sketch 
 but a full history of the parish of Almonte. 
 
 Thanking all those who so kindly furnished us information, we will 
 say with the poet : ' . 
 
 *^Vive, Vale, Si quid novisti rectius istiSy 
 Candidus imperii ; si non^ his utere mecum. — {Hor.) 
 
 The Author. 
 
 Almonto, May, 1885. 
 
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 i 
 
 K" 
 
 SKETCH OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 EARLY HISTORY OF THE MISSION. 
 
 The parish ot St, Mary's, of Ahiionte, now comprises the town of 
 Almonte and the townships of Ramsay, Dariing and Lavant, in the 
 County of Lanark (Ont.) 
 
 As a parish it is still in its infancy ; but as a mission its history may 
 be traced back for more than half a century. The township of Ram- 
 say was first settled about 1819-20. The majority of the settlers about 
 this date came from Paisley and Glasgow. There were, however, a few 
 Catholic families about the year 1821-22. In 1823 a large number of 
 families (about 500 souls), chiefly from the south of Ireland, found 
 their way into Ramsay and adjoining townships, and took up lands. 
 They were brave and hardy pioneers, and required extraordinary 
 courage to overcome the difficulties that fell to their lot. They bore 
 their share of hardships and trials. The trees of the forest were felled, 
 rude buildings put up, and the fields were tilled and produced a return 
 for their toil. 
 
 These good people, coming from the land of Faith, were not un- 
 mindful of their duties to God : they were carrying out the designs of 
 His Providence, which " disposes all things for good." They found 
 here priests whom they learned to love. The late Very Rev. Father 
 Macdonald, then at Perth, visited these early settlers, and gave them 
 the comforts of our holy religion. Without a church or suitable build- 
 ing, they threw open their own dwellings to the priests and neighbors 
 when a mission was held. These mission days were always anxiously 
 looked for ; they left their fields and their work to attend them. On 
 the 24th July, 1823, there is found a Baptismal Act in the records at 
 Perth, a child from the 2nd Con. of Ramsay being baptized by Father 
 Macdonald. 
 
 Stations were held in different parts of the settlement, chiefly at the 
 
 Note. — "Ai... ; is situated on the River Mississippi, in the township of 
 
 Ramsay, "id is quite a manufacturing town. Where it now stands— a local 
 
 historian . < — was known as Shepherd's Falls ; later on it was called Shipman's 
 
 Mills, and bi.ipman's Falls. Names seem to have been plentiful, for it received 
 
 nother title, Ballygiblin, then Ramsay ville, and Waterford. To obviate this 
 
 infusion a public meeting was held, and the question of calling names wasdiscuss- 
 
 4. They believed there was "magic in a name." The name of a Mexican 
 
 jeneral, Al-mon-te, then prominent before the public, was chosen — hence 
 
 Almonte." 
 
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) 
 
 - - •'g.^^aJKj*— 
 
 residences of David Dowling, Timothy O'Brien, Patrick Corkery and 
 William Slattery. The last named, " tried, trusty and true" friend of 
 the church, passed to his reward on the 2I'j»: April, 1885, honored and 
 respected in life and in death. These missions by Father Macdonald, 
 and continued by Father McDonough, kept the faith fresh and green 
 until the first church was built, as will be shown in the next chapter. 
 
 Note. — Bishop Ai.kx an per McDowell, bom in Scotland 17th July, 1762, 
 was ordained priest i6th February, 1787. He came to Canada in 1803, and wa^ 
 immediately employed in the mission of St. Raphael's, Upper Canada. In 1807 
 Bishop of Quebec sent him letters as Vicar-General, and on the 12th Jan., 1819, he 
 was named by Pius VII. Bishop of Khesina, in Mesopotamia, suffragan and auxiliary 
 of the Bishop of Quebec, in the Province of Upper Canada. He was consecrated at 
 the chapel of the Ursulines Quebec, 31st December, 1820. Upper Canada having 
 been erected into a diocese by His Holiness Leo XII., on the 17th Jan., 1826, Bishop 
 McDonell was appointed to that See, with the title of Bishop of Kingston. Rev. 
 Thomas Weld, of England, had been named his coadjutor under the title of Bishop 
 ofAmycles(I. P. I.), but that prelate having been promoted to the Cardinalate, Pope 
 Gregory XVI. named Mgr. Remi Gaulin coadjutor of Kingston. Bishop McDonell 
 died at Dumfries, Scotland, on the 14th January, 1840, aged seventy-eight years and 
 six months. His remains, deposited at St. Margaret's Chanel, Edinburgh, were on 
 the 26th September, 1861, translated to the Cathedral of Kingston, Ont. 
 
 [Repertoire general dit clerge Canadien par Rev. C. Tanguay, and compared with 
 Liste Chronologiqite, published 1834 by Douglas Brymner.] 
 
 i.k 
 
 ^ 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 FIRST CHURCH ERECTED. 
 
 A portion of land (the present occupied by St. Mary's Church, 
 Presbytery and School, and known as the R. C. Church property) was 
 given by Mr. Daniel Shipman, through the Rev. Father McDonough, 
 of Perth, to the Catholics of this parish for all ( irch purposes. It 
 consists of about one and a half acres of land, pleasantly situated ; a 
 portion of it was formerly used by the Catholics as a cemetery. 
 
 About the year 1842 the Rev. J. H. McDonough (the then parish 
 priest of Perth, and attending this mission) laid before the Catholics of 
 Ramsay the advisability of erecting a church for the glory of God. 
 They were long accustomed to meet in private houses in order to hear 
 mass and receive the sacraments of our holy religion, but their numbers 
 were increasinj^f, children were becoming young men and women, and 
 their means were visibly increased, so that they might be expected to 
 make some return tc God, the Giver of all, by building a church in pro- 
 portion to their means. 
 
 The appeal of their Father and friend was cheerfully responded to 
 by all. The first church was soon commenced. Its dimensions were 
 40x60 feet, a frame structure clapboarded outside and lathed and 
 
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 plastered within. Mr. FMward Dovvling, it is said, drew the first stick of 
 timber for this church. Priest and people contributed from their scanty 
 means towards the undertaking — no small one in those days. " Pews to 
 the number of about 35 were built and placed in the new building, and 
 the income derived from their sale was about one hundred dollars 
 annually. Twelve years afterwards, in 1854, it was deemed necessary, 
 to rough-cast the outside of the building to make it more comfortable 
 within, and it was done at a cost of some sixty pounds. Here the holy 
 sacrifice of the mass was offered to God, sacraments administered, and 
 the faithful nourished with the Word of Go ' until the year 1868, a 
 period of 26 years, when a new trial came, the destruction of the build- 
 ing by fire, owing to some cause unknown. 
 
 THE HURNING OF THE FIRST CHURCH. 
 
 It was on 'Xmas night, in the year 1868, that flames were seen 
 issuing from the Roman Catholic Church. Means of extinguishing fire 
 in those days were very poor, and despite the good-will and exertions 
 of the people the church fell a prey to the flames, leaving only a heap 
 of ashes where once stood the church that spoke of the zeal and 
 generosity of the builders. Only a few stations of the cross were saved. 
 Vestments, church ornaments, and quite a number of books of the 
 parochial library perished in the flames. A little incident might be 
 mentioned. It is related that Henry Stafford, when searching among 
 the ashes, found the altar stone, and, although the vestments were 
 burned, still the crosses which were on them were found intact. The 
 church and contents were insured in the Beaver Co., of Toronto, and 
 the sum of $1,514.66 was promptly paid. This amount received was 
 but little compared with the great loss sustained ; but the good people 
 were not disheartened. They determined to set to work again, make new 
 sacrifices, and give another proof of generosity and good-will, as will be 
 shown in the succeeding chapters. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Diocese of Bvtown (Now Ottawa) Established 1847. 
 
 The Catholics in the Ottawa Valley were increasing on both sides 
 of the river, and in view of the spiritual wants of this extensive popula- 
 tion, His Holiness Pius IX., in the year 1847, established the Diocese 
 ofBytown. Rev. Joseph Eugene Bruno Guigues, then at Montreal, 
 a distinguished and prominent member of the " Oblates of Mary Im- 
 maculate," a community from whose ranks many have been called to 
 adorn the mitre, was selected as the first bishop of this future diocese. 
 He was born in Gap, the principal town in the department of Hautes 
 Alpes, France, the 25th August, 1805. After being appointed to the 
 responsibility of the Episcopacy he spent sometime in perfecting him-! 
 self in the English language and preparation for the sublime dignityf 
 
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 • - -t>»:^!S^e^>s»^ 
 
 which he was ca''ed to accept by the Father of the Faithful, Accord- 
 ingly on the 20th July, 1848, he was consecrated in the then Cathedral 
 of Bytown, the consecrator being Bishop (laulin, of Kingston, and 
 the assistants, Bishop Phelan and Bishop Bourget. Clothed with the 
 responsibility of a Bishop of the Church of Ciod, he devoted himself to 
 the many wants that belong to a new diocese. He was surrounded 
 with only about fifteen priests to attend to the extensive diocese over 
 which he was placed. But the example of the First Pastor, his zeal 
 and self-sacrifice, sustained and encouraged his priests amidst the many 
 difficulties, long journeys and hardships of missionary life. The Rev. 
 " Fathers Oblates " were a great help to the new Bishop, and were in- 
 strumental in laying the foundation of many flourishing parishes that 
 ex'st to-day. T '^ good Bishop visited the diocese, making himself 
 acquainted with le wants of his flock, and endeavored to supply them 
 with all the means in his power. He did not forget the sick, the old, 
 the abandoned, and the orphan ; in due time provision was made for 
 them, and institutions were founded to receive, to shelter and minister 
 to their wants. The cause of education was also dear to him, and the 
 College of Ottawa sprang into existence ; then separate schools we,? 
 opened in the town, and wherever possible in the diocese. The name 
 of Bishop Guigues became familiar, as well as his virtues, which won 
 the admiration of all. His pastoral visits were anxiously looked for by 
 the faithful, for they were always encouraged by his latherly advice and 
 strengthened with his blessing. Years rolled by — years of progress 
 and prosperity for the new diocese under the guidance of the First 
 Pastor, Bishop Guigues. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 SECOND CHURCH — ST. MARV's. 
 
 " The good are better made by ill, 
 As odors crushed are sweeter still. " — Rodgers. 
 
 The Rev. A. O'Malley, parish priest c "^-^untley, and attending the 
 mission of Almonte, learned with sorrow 01 the burning of the Roman 
 Catholic Church, and immediately sought to console his poor people in 
 their affliction, and to secure a place to have mass until a church could 
 be built. For the former the building known as Reilly's Hall was ar- 
 ranged so as to hold divine service, and here for about a year the 
 people assembled on Sundays to assist at mass. Some, filled with hope, 
 I remarked, " On next Christmas Day (a year from the burning of the old 
 \ church) we must have our new church, and have mass in it." Rev. 
 \ Father O'Malley proceeded to fulfil the desire of his good people in 
 ^ taking steps towards erecting a new church. A meeting was convened 
 Rto elect a Building Committee on the 6th January, 1867 — Isaiah Mc- 
 Kean, E. Djwling, John Vaughan, Michael Foley, Wm. Reardon, H. 
 'Staff"ord, Robt. O'Brien, J. O'Reilly, P. Reilly — nine members were 
 
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 elected, and at a subseciuent meeting of this committee Mr. FA. 
 Dowling was elected President, Henry Stafford, Treasurer, and John 
 O'Reilly, Secretary. With this building committee of good, r.ealousand 
 earnest men, guided by their pastor, the clouds of iflkulties which 
 usually appear quickly vanislied, and all, old and youug, rich and poor, 
 were anxious to lend a helping hand towaras the good undertaking. A 
 sul)scri|)tion list was opened, and the people hastened to. put down 
 their names. Many subscribed $ioo, others $80, $60, $50, etc. Many 
 of these amounts subscribed were transferred into notes, payable within 
 a certain period. The winter season was taken advantage of for 
 drawing stone, sand and other materials by a numl)er of "bees," to 
 which, in turn, the peojile sent their teams, the first load of stone 
 being drawn by Mr. Ed. Dowling, and the first load of sand by Patrick 
 Gleeson. Several meetings were held to decide on the dimensions of 
 the church, and at a final one it was suggested by Rev. Father 
 O'Malley that it would be better to have it wider in proportion to the 
 length, in case that in after years an addition might be found necessary ; 
 such addition would give it becoming proportion. The size agreed 
 upon was 90x50, with tower 16x15. ■^t a meeting held on the 21st 
 January, 1869, Messrs. H. Stafford and Patrick Reilly were appointed 
 to solicit subscriptions from our separated brethren. ' Their mission was 
 a successful one, for they were well received, and quite a handsome 
 amount was collected — a fact which speaks volumes in behalf of the 
 people of Almonte and Ramsay n )t belonging to the Catholic Church. 
 Mr. Edward Dowling, who always took such a deep interest in church 
 matters, went to Ottawa durmg the year 1869 to obtain aid towards 
 the nwv building. It was no longer Bytown, but Ottawa, the seat of 
 (government for the Dominion of Canada, and from several members of 
 Parliament, Government officials and pr-vate individuals a very respect- 
 able sum was realized for St. Mary's church at Almonte. Mr. Andrew 
 Bell was engaged to draw a plan and specification. Tenders were ad- 
 vertised for in the following papers : Almonte Gazette^ Carleton 
 Place Herald, Ottawa Times, Brockville Recorder, and Perth Courier. 
 At a meeting held on the 27th April, 1869, for opening tenders, some 
 five parties tendered, the tender accepted being that of Messrs. Wm. 
 VVilloughby and Oakley, who gave the required security. The work of 
 building was soon begun, the foundations were laid, and the 29th June, 
 1869, the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, witnessed a rare and beauti- 
 ful ceremony in this m.ission. The 
 
 BLESSING OF THE CORNER STONE. 
 
 This same year was, and ever will be, a memorable year in the history 
 .of the Catholic chmch, for during this year the Vatican Council as' 
 sembled at Rome, 8th Dec. Nearly 800 bishops from every part of the 
 globe met together, making it one of the grandest Councils in the 
 history of the church. Differing in customs, speaking every language, 
 yet repeating the same " Credo,'^ they presented a most striking proof 
 of the unity and catholicity of the Church of Christ. In the course 
 of this memorable year the blessing of the Corner Stone of St. Mary's 
 
— ^. 
 
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 took place. His Lordship Bishop Guigues being on his pastoral visit 
 of the Diocese, was prevented from being at the ceremony in person, 
 and authorized the Rev. Father O'Malley to perform it. He was as- 
 sisted by Rev. Dr Chisholm, Perth, Fathers Bouvier, Murray, Mc- 
 Gowan, Lavin, and Father O'Brien, Brockville. An immense con- 
 course of people had assembled to witness this suggestive ceremony, 
 which reminds us of our Lord, the Corner Stone, not of the building, 
 but of the whole church. In the cavity of the stone was placed a 
 written document giving particulars ot the building, names of officiating 
 clergymen, of His Holiness the Pope. Bishop of the Diocese, Governor- 
 General, Reigning Sovereign, etc., also copies of True Wihiess, Al- 
 monte Gazette, and coins of the countr)'. Rev. Father O'Brien, . of 
 Brockville (afterwards Bishop of Kingston), preached in his own 
 learned and eloquent style a discourse that was listened to with the 
 deepest attention. The offering mad-^ on the occasion was very hand- 
 some, and the ceremony terminated \,ith the hope of soon seeing the 
 building finished ; and the hope was verified, for on Christmas L^ay, one 
 year from the destruction of the old church, the people, filled with joy, 
 came to mass in their new church and offered their fervent thanks to 
 God for all His blessings. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 ALMONTE A PARISH. 
 
 In the month of July, 1872, His Lordship Bishop Guigues, seeing 
 that the number of Catholics was rapidly increasing in the Town of 
 Almonte and vicinity, and that the instruction given to them by their 
 respective pastors was bearing good fruit, as witnessed by their piety 
 and generosity in rebuilding the new St. Mary's, resolved to meet their 
 wishes and the spiritual wants of the mission by establishing it as one 
 of the parishes of the Diocese of Ottawa, with a resident priest, who 
 might devote himself entirely to their spiritual welfare. The Rev. R. 
 Faure, a young and zealous priest, was sent as the first resident pastor 
 of Almonte. He was welcomed with joy by the people, and he began 
 immediately to attend to the various wants that fall to a newly organiz- 
 ed parish. The first act in the register for the new parish is dated 
 July 2ist, 1872. The church St. Mary's was already built (by the Rev. 
 Father O'Malley), though not finished interiorly. There was no presby- 
 tery. A house near the church was procured and occupied by the new 
 pastor until a presbytery might be erected. A meeting was held Feb. 
 23rd, 1873, of the committee to decide the acceptance of tenders 
 received for the building of a presbytery and a sacristy tor the church, 
 the presbvtery to be of stone, style gothic, size 30x40, with stone 
 kitchen 20x18, sacristy 30x20. The tenders for the presbytery, etc., 
 were awarded to Messrs. O'Brien & Driscoll, to be finished by Novem- 
 
 
^y(s^X^Ss^- 
 
 7^ 
 
 ber of aforesaid year. This presbytery, which ranks among the best of 
 this diocese, reflects credit on all parties concerned. The grounds 
 were afterwards beautifully laid out, and a number of trees planted, 
 which have in course of time added not a little to the present appear- 
 ance of the presby*^"' md church. Rev. Father Faure moved into the 
 new presbytery ^ cht- i5th December, 1873. A Bazaar was held a 
 little previous t»„ ti. 1 which all worked willingly and well, and a very 
 
 ; placed to the credit of the building fund. A 
 ■e in January, 1874, the proceeds, for the same 
 expectation. The cause of education and tem- 
 perance was also promoted by Father Faure, he being instrumental in 
 establishing a Separate School s.nd the F. M. T. A., which will be 
 spoken of in their proper place. 
 
 A new bishop having been appointed, and changes made in the 
 diocese. Father Faure was chosen to exert his zeal and talents in a 
 wider field, and was sent to the important parish of Pembroke, He 
 ivas succeeded here by the Rev. K J. J. Stenson. 
 
 handsome amount ' 
 concert also took \ 
 fund, being up to a 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 SORROW. 
 
 The 9th of February, 1874, was a day of sorrow and mourning for 
 the Catholics of the whole Diocese of Ottawa. In the city the cathe- 
 dral bells tolled, and throughout the diocese the same solemn tones 
 were heard. His Lordship Bishop Guigues, who for a quarter of a 
 century ruled so wisely and so \v.ll, was called to his reward. From 
 hundreds of miles priests and bishops hastened to pay their last tribute 
 to the saintly bishop of Ottawa. VVhat changes and progress did he 
 not behold since the day of his first assuming the office and duty of a 
 bishop ? Instead of a few priests he saw a numerous clergy ; instead of 
 mission houses and humble chapels there were to be seen grand and 
 costly churches ; instead of scattered Catholic families there were 
 numerous settlements and flourishing parishes. In his episcopal city 
 institutions of charity and education ornamented the Capital of Canada. 
 Truly our zealous bishop had gone about doing good. Those who 
 listened to his loving and paternal discourses in his numerous pastoral 
 visits could not but feel that they came from his heart, that they were 
 the words of an apostle. His work was well done. He had borne the 
 heat and burden of the day, and God called him to Himself. Funeral 
 orations were delivered by Bishop Fabre, of Montreal, and Bishop Wad- 
 
 
— (S^^I^^Ks— 
 
 12 
 
 T 
 
 hams, of Ogdensburg, who spoke of his holy and edifying life, and the 
 words of truth came to the lips of all, " Blessed are the dead who die in 
 the Lord, for their works follow them." — Apoc. xiv. 
 
 a 
 
 JOY. 
 
 For several long months the Diocese of Ottawa was without 
 bishop. The office in itself is a most onerous and responsible one, 
 and this extensive and increasing diocese required an energetic bishop. 
 Great was the delight of both clergy and people when it was heard that 
 the Rev. J. T. Duhamel, then parish priest of St. Eugene, was to be 
 the worth successor of Bishop Guigues. The 28th of October, 1874, 
 witnessed in the Cathedral of Ottawa a scene not to be soon forgotten 
 — the consecration of Bishop Duhamel. A great number of prelates, 
 and a "insist array of clergy, representing the various dioceses of the 
 provinces, came to assist at the ceremony. It was the feast of St. 
 Simon and St. Jude. The Cathedral presented a magnificent appear- 
 ance. A deputation from Almonte went down, together .vith deputa- 
 tions from other parishes, to show their respect for the newly chosen 
 bishop. The sacred rites of consecration were proceeded with, and at 
 the close as the new bishop passed down the aisles of his cathedral 
 bestowing bis blessing on the city and diocese there was but one desire 
 that filled the hearts of all, that he might be their pastor ad multos 
 annos. 
 
 From the day His Lordship took possession of the diocese he has 
 exerted his zeal and talents in promoting every good work, adding new 
 ones, and devoting himself to the welfare and prosperity <* the diocese. 
 He has been honored by the Sovereign Pontiff, and has . . j love and 
 affections of priests and people, who pray that he may be long spared 
 to them. 
 
 CHAPTER VIL 
 
 SCHOOLS. 
 
 Although this chapter will be a short one, still the subject is rnost 
 important. After the work of the church comes that of education. 
 Its importance was not under-estimated by the Catholics of Almonte, 
 I lor amidst great difficulties and sacrifices they resolved to have for the 
 * young population of the town and immediate neighborhood the ad- 
 vantages of a Separate School. The appeal of the Rev. Father Faure 
 was successful. In 1873 a building 50x36, balloon frame, veneered 
 
s^. 
 
 ^c&J\^yi^ 
 
 has 
 
 with brick, two stories high, was erected on the church property of 
 Almonte for the purpose of a school. 
 
 The first School Board was elected in Nov., 1873, as follows : John 
 O'Reilly, Richard r)ri.-.coll, Alrionte, Thomas Foley, Ramsay, Trustees. 
 
 A good sized bell was placed in the belfry, and other school 
 requisites were procured. 
 
 It has been said that the school to be good must flourish beneath 
 the shadow of the sacristy. This has been truly and literally carried 
 out here, for the building is in close proximity to the church of St 
 Mary's. 
 
 The following is the list of teachers since the opening of the school : 
 Messrs. Culhene, R. Dowdall^ O'Day, Barrett, Uoherty, \V'. A. Smith, 
 Lady teachers — Miss Morrow and Miss Haley. At present Mr. B. 
 McEntee and Miss Rawley occupy the position of teachers, the attend- 
 ance on the roll being between no and 120. 
 
 The following comprise the School Board tor 1885 : Messrs. James 
 Dowdall, John O'Reilly, Dr. Lynch, P. Seymour, Henry Stafford and 
 E. VV. Smith. Chairman — Mr. James Dowdall. Sec-Treas. — Mr. 
 John O'Reilly. 
 
 Each year has witnessed quite a number passing their entrance ex- 
 amination into the High School. 
 
 CHAPTER VHL 
 
 CONSECRAilON OF ST. MARYS. 
 
 i 
 
 The interior of St. Mary's was completed in the year 1875. The 
 , ceiling was beautifully finished in wood panelling, and the plastering 
 was superior in workmanship. The high altar was built of marble, 
 presenting a very striking appearance. A large pipe organ, manufactur- 
 ed by Warren, of Montreal, occupied the gallery. St. Mary's, thus 
 newly finished, was one of the finest churches in the diocese of Ottawa, 
 reflecting credit on the parish and those who shared in making it such. 
 It was thought but right to have it consecrated. Only one church out- 
 side of Ottawa, St. Eugene, had up to this time been thus honored. 
 Preparations were made for the solemn ceremony of consecration. 
 That ceremony dates from the Old Law — " For we read that when 
 " Moses, by command of God, made the tabernacle he consecrated it 
 ** with its altars, and its table, and all things used in the worship of 
 " God ; not only did he consecrate them by prayers, but he anointed 
 " them with oil ; for God commanded him that he should make chrism 
 " and anoint all these, with the ark of the covenant and the tabernacle 
 
 Note. — During this year (1875) the sacristy was removed in onler to enlarge" 
 the church, and a sanctuary was built, 27x26, thus affording a beautiful sanctuary, and I 
 adding to the exterior appearance of the church. Mr. Arnoldi furnished the plan ofj. 
 the interior finishing. i' « 
 
;l 
 
 I 
 
 II 
 
 ■— 't>r^^e^Sj— 
 
 14 
 
 " of the Lord. Thus was the ancient church of the Israelites con- 
 " secrated in the desert ; thus did Solomon consecrate the temple ; thus 
 "also do we bless and conse::rate our churches to the service of the 
 " Almighty God." 
 
 In the past they had but the shadow and the figure, whilst we have 
 the reality. Our churches are truly the House of God. The ceremon- 
 ies of consecration are grand and beautiful. The joyful day of St. 
 Mary's consecration was on the 7th October, 1875. The eve was a day 
 of fast and abstinence for the parish, in order to secure from heaven 
 the blessings to be conferred upon it. His Lordship Bishop Duhamel 
 came from his episcopal city to perform the sacred rites. It was the 
 first visit of our new bishop. An immense crowd gathered at the 
 station previous to the arrival of the evening express from Ottawa. On 
 alighting from the train His Lordship was met by the pastor, Rev. 
 Father Stenson. A large procession was formed, headed by the 
 Almonte Brass Band, and the Bishop and visiting priests were conduct- 
 ed to the presbyter3'. Addresses from the congregation and the F. M. T. 
 A. were presented to His Lordship. He replied most happily, and 
 produced a most favorable impression on those who had the pleasure 
 of hearing their newly appointed Bishop. Amongst the clergy there 
 were present from the Diocese of Kingston : Rev. Dr. Chisholm, Perth, 
 Father McCarthy, Brockville, Father Clune, Smith's Falls, Father 
 Kielty, Kitley ; from the Diocese of Salford, England, Rev. Father 
 Cromblehome, and Rev. Father St. Laurence from the Ottawa College ; 
 from the Diocese of Ottawa : Rev. D. F. Foley, Secretary to His Lord- 
 ship, Rev. Fathers McGooey, Collins, Faure, O'Connell, Casey, Brunet, 
 Chaine, Ouellet, Agnel, Shalloe, McGinnis, Champagne, Lavin, Mc- 
 Cormack, Dawson and Sheehy. In the evening the procession of the 
 clergy started from the presbytery, solemnly conveying the sacred relics 
 destined for the main altar. The rolics were those of Saints Irenaeus 
 and Marcellinus. From early morning crowds of people were seen 
 hastening their steps to St. Mary's to witness the imposing rites about to 
 be performed. Solemn pontifical mass was celebrated by His Lordship. 
 After the first Gospel, a sermon, appropriate to the occasion, was given 
 by the Rev. Father St. Laurence, of Ottawa. In the evening, at 
 vespers, the venerable Father Dawson delivered an eloquent discourse, 
 taking for his subject " The Church." The 7th of October was a day 
 to be long remembered by the people of this parish, and each returning 
 anniversary should be a day of gratitude for blessings received and to 
 be received. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 BLESSING OF A PEAL OF BELLS. 
 
 ^ The Church of St. Mary, having nearly all its wants supplied 
 1 interiorly, it was deemed opportune to place in the tower a bell, or 
 f bells. For some years the Separate School bell was used in connectio n 
 
s<?. 
 
 ^S^ijNSK- 
 
 at 
 
 with the church, but this arrangement presented many disadvantages 
 that could be only overcome by having a bell for the church alone. 
 The matter having been brought before the congregation by the Rev. 
 Father Foley, all expressed their willingness towards the undertaking. 
 At first it was proposed to have one large bell of about 2,000 pounds 
 weight, but at length it was decided to negotiate for a peal of three 
 bells. Messrs. H. M. Shane & Co., of Baltimore, U. S., offered a peal 
 on very reasonable ti^rms, and the offer was accepted, and the bells 
 ordered to be shipped. The F. M. T. A. proffered to contribute a 
 handsome sum out of their funds, and to lend their valuable assistance 
 towards a picnic and concert, the proceeds to be devoted towards 
 meeting the cost of bells, and preparing the tower — no small under- 
 taking — to receive the bells. In the latter job, of preparing the tower, 
 the tender of Wm. Oakley was accepted, and the work was very satis- 
 factorily done, T. McAuliffe having prepared the plan and overseen its 
 fulfilment. A good substantial stairs leading to the bell-deck was put 
 up by VV^m. Bowes. At length the day for the blessing ceremony 
 arrived. It was on Sunday, the 8th of June, 1884 — Feast of the Blessed 
 Trinity. His Lordship Bishop Duhamel came in person to perform the 
 ceremony. The names and weights of the peal are as follows : St. Mary 
 1,200, St. Ann 600, St. Patrick 350. The sponsors were the following : 
 Messrs. James Dowdall, John O'Reilly, Edward Dowling, Henry 
 Stafford, Thos. McDermott, P. Slattery, P. Corkery, John Vaughan, 
 John Neville, Thos. Foley, P. Daley, M. Dixon, John Slattery. Dr. D. 
 P. Lynch, Thos. Murphy, John McKinnon, John Ryan, P. Reilly and 
 Patrick Seymour. The church was filled at the high mass, which was 
 celebrated by Rev. Father R. Barrett, O. M. I., of the College of 
 Ottawa. Many of other denominations were present, some by special 
 invitation, and others as a sign of the good feeling and harmony exist- 
 ing in this community. High mass being over. His Lordship ascended 
 the pulpit and preached a very able and eloquent sermon, taking for 
 his text the 150th Psalm. He clearly explained the meaning of the 
 ceremonies of the church used in the solemn blessing of bells, and 
 spoke of those saints under whose protection they were placed, paying 
 a handsome tribute to St. Patrick and those whose patron saint he is. 
 He was listened to with rapt attention, and produced a lasting impres- 
 sion on the congregation. The ceremony of blessing was then proceed- 
 ed with according to the ritual, and the final one of ringing the bells, 
 His Lordship setting the example, which was followed by nearly all 
 present. The offering made on the occasion was in keeping with the 
 generosity of St. Mary's congregation and those who honored them by 
 their presence. Some days after the bells were placed in their final 
 position, to continue their mission of joy and sorrow, but sorrow that 
 is not without hope, for whilst they ring to call the people to worship 
 God, to announce that a new Christian is in the world, or toll in solemn 
 accents, it is with hope, telling us that a Christian has been called to 
 his reward. The ceremonies of the day were very kindly alluded to in 
 the Almonte Tmes and Gazette, published the same week. 
 
 
 
— ..t^f^eJK*— 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 CEMETERIES. 
 
 There is in every mission a spot that is reverenced for the lessons 
 it teaches to us all — it is the cemetery — the last resting place of the 
 dead. No sooner is a settlement established, than a portion of ground 
 is set apart that will be known as the village, the town, or city of the 
 dead. In Catholic communities it has been customary, when possible, 
 to have the remains of the departed lie near the church which they 
 attended whilst in life, a' d thus the cemetery became a ' acher to die 
 living, and more forcibly reminded them to comply with the custom, 
 the duty of praying for the souls of the departed, for the members of 
 the church suffering. Here, in this miss! m, the first cemetery was on 
 the property where the present Church of St. Mary's and Presbytery are 
 built. Before the first church was put up the deac. were buried here, 
 and it was used as a cemetery until the year 1872, the year in which 
 the mission became a parish. It was then necessary to build a presby- 
 tery, and this necessitated a change, ground being required for the 
 i above purpose, and moreover, interments were no longer permitted 
 
 < within the corporation. A selection of ground, the best then possible, 
 \ was made, and some three acres of land on the Huntley road were 
 I purchased from John Malone, and fenced, divided into lots, and was 
 J and is still used for t*he purpose for which it was purchased. A 
 { number of bodies were raised and transferred to this place from the 
 \ town. There are some fine monuments put up, but the nature of the 
 I ground is not the most suitable for a cemetery. It is at quite a distance, 
 \ about two miles' from the church. It is rather circumscribed, and it 
 
 would be difficult to add to it for future requirements. In view of these 
 
 facts, a meeting of the Catholics was held in June, 1884, and it was 
 
 \ decided to purchase a new site. For this purpose some ten acres of 
 
 i land were bought from James Dowdall, Esq., known as the McFarlane 
 
 property, on the Carleton road, 9th line Ramsay, by His Lordship the 
 
 < Bishop of Ottawa. \ good wi i fence was put up upon a portion of it 
 \ by Henry Clement, u beautiful plan was prepared by Rev. G. Bouillon, 
 
 of Ottawa, and a certain portion laid out in lots 8x13 feet. A large 
 I cross was erected in accordance with the plan, and blessed. The first 
 interment took place in this cemetery on the i8th August, 1884: one 
 of the Altar boys, named Orion McDonnell, in his twelfth year, a good 
 and very pious child, whom God called to himself The second inter- 
 ment was Isaiah McKean, September 3rd, 1884. He had passed the 
 years of the Psalmist, was a sincere christian, respected by all who knew 
 I him. Thus youth and old age were among the first to occupy a place 
 J in the new cemetery of St. Mary's Church. 
 
 \ There is also another cemetery situated a little above Clayton vil- 
 j. lage, about ten miles from Almonte. It consists of two acres of beau- 
 ^tiful sandy soil, and was given to this parish about the year i860 by a 
 man named Michael McGauran. He is buried there himself, and also 
 his wife, who died in 1884. There are several other interments, quite 
 
3^«>. 
 
 >c^A«^'3^ 
 
 a number having been brought from Almonte, who were in the old 
 cemetery in 1873. Only tiiose who live in the immediate neighbor- 
 hood are allowed to bury there now. The land is well fenced, and 
 nicely adapted for a cemetery. " May they all rest in peace." 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 SOCIETIES, ETC., OF THE PARISH. 
 
 Sf. Vincent de Paul Society. 
 
 It was in Paris, a little over 50 years ago, that a holy man, Frederic 
 Ozanam, a professor in one of the universities, acting on an inspiration 
 from heaven, gathered around him a number of young men (some were 
 lawyers, doctors, professors, &c.), and formed them into a Conference of 
 Charity, taking for their patron St. Vincent de Paul. He said to them, 
 as many of them were young and about to begin life, they might begin 
 by practising charity, in visiting the poor and sick, and providing for 
 their spiritual and corporal wants. The young Society was blessed, and 
 prospered. It found its way into other countries in Europe and 
 America. There are now thousands of members carrying out the spirit 
 and intentions of their founder. 
 
 A Conference of this admirable Society was established at Almonte 
 on the 30th January, 1876, with a roll of 37 members, as follows : Rev. 
 Father Stenson, Spiritual Director ; George O'Brien, President ; 
 Richard Driscoll, Secretary. 
 
 On the 24th May, 1880, the Conference here was affiliated with the 
 General Provincial Conference at Toronto. The officers then were : 
 Rev. Father Coffey, Spiritual Director ; John O'Reilly, President ; P. 
 Daley, Vice-President : John O'Heare, Secretary ; E. Letang, Treasurer; 
 with membership of 21. 
 
 At present the officers are as follows : Rev. D. F. Foley, Spiritual 
 Director ; John O'Reil./, President ; P. Daley, Vice-President ; John 
 O'Heare, Secretary ; E. Letang, Treasurer ; M. McAuliffe, Assistant- 
 Secretary. 
 
 Humility is the characteristic virtue of the St. Vincent de Paul 
 Conferences. They seek not notoriety or worldly praise, but endeavor 
 to carry on their works of charity with the sole desire of pleasing Hin / 
 who sees and remembers all. The Conference meets every Sunday! 
 after mass in the Sacristy of St. Mary. 
 
 (9) 
 
 t 
 
— .'t>^^eKj>— 
 
 F. M. T. A. 
 
 The Catholic Church has everywhere and always advocated and 
 encouraged the virtue of temperance. The worthy cause was not 
 neglected ui this new parish. The Rev. Father Faure was successful 
 in founding the Father Matthew Temperance Association. 
 
 On the r6th February, 1873, the first election of officers took place, 
 with the following result : Rev. Dr. Faure, President ; Joseph Fairbairn, 
 ist Vice-President ; John Stafford, 2nd Vice-President ; R. DriscoU, 
 Secretary ; E. W. Smith, Assistant-Secretary ; John O'Reilly, Treasurer. 
 Committee of Management — P. Gleeson, P. Stafford, J. Donohue, T. 
 McAuliffe, John Slattery, E. Dowdall, Thos. Corcoran, John Vaughan. 
 The Society thus established, and with a large number of members on 
 the roll, set forth on its misjion. 
 
 In a short time after, in view of the success obtained, the Society 
 was incorporated Jan. 14th, 1873, with the following officers : Rev. Dr. 
 Faure, President ; R. Rriscoll, ist Vice-President ; F. Doherty, 2nd 
 Vice-President ; James Dowdall, Secretary ; J. O'Reilly, Treasurer ; 
 P. Daley, Assistant-Secretary. Committee of Management — M. Mc- 
 Auliffe, P. Stafford, T. McAuliffe, John Stafford, P. Raleigh, J. 
 Donohue, John Curtin, S. Kelly. 
 
 At the election for the past year the result of the election of officers 
 was as follows : Rev. D. F. Foley, Spiritual Director ; John O'Reilly, 
 President; E. Letang, 1st Vice-President; Robert Johnston, 2nd Vice- 
 President ; P. F. McGarry, Secretary ; R. McDonnell, Assistant- 
 Secretary ; John Curtin, Treasurer ; M. McAuliffe, Librarian. Com- 
 mittee — Hugh Fay, P. O'Brien, M. Hogan, John Ryan, B. Bolton, 
 John Lynch, M. Grace. 
 
 The Society holds monthly meetings, and the aims and intentions 
 for which it exists are being well carried out. Mr. John O'Reilly has 
 always taken an active part in promoting the welfare of the F. M. T. A. 
 There is a library in connection with the Society, to which reference is 
 made in this sketch. 
 
 ROSARY SOCIETY. 
 
 The married women of the parish are the members of this Society, 
 having for its object united prayer and good works. On the 5th June, 
 1884, the indulgences and other spiritual advantages were granted by 
 the Bishop of Ottawa to the members of this association (by virtue of 
 an Indult of Pius IX., dated March 7th, 1875) under the usual 
 conditioiis Every Sunday all the members recite the Rosary before 
 high mass, and meet on the last Sunday of each month for transacting 
 business, &c. They are very attentive to visit the sick, and take great 
 interest in providing ornaments for the church. 
 
 SODALITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 
 
 \ This admirable Society is found in nearly every diocese. Its object 
 , is to better enable young persons to persevere in piety and virtue. 
 ' Wise and holy rules govern them, whilst spiritual readings and special 
 
 I?' 
 
rff>. 
 
 >ci*>J\^n- 
 
 prayers become for them so many additional helps to obtain the object 
 in view. In this parish the young ladies also devote themselves to 
 decorating and ornamenting the church. His Lordship Bishop 
 Duhamel (by an Indult of His Holiness Leo XHL, bearing date Jan. 
 26th, 1879) has been pleased to grant to all who form part of this 
 Society the indulgences mentioned in his decree of erection, the 5th 
 June, 1884, ad septenr.inm. 
 
 The following are the officers of the Sodality at the last annual 
 election in December, ii:^84 : Mis3 Mary McDonnell, Superior; Miss 
 Mary Letang, First Assistant ; Miss Mary Wallace, Second Assistant ; 
 Miss Mary Ann White, Treasurei ; Miss Mary Nagle, Secretary. The 
 Society meets on the first and third Sunday of each month. 
 
 ASSOCIATION OF TliE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 
 
 On the 5th day of June, 1884, the Sodality of the Sacred Heart of 
 Jesus was canonically established in St. Mary's Church (by virtue of an 
 Indult of Pope Pius IX., dated March nth, 1875), with the appHcation 
 of the indulgences attached by the Sovereign Pontiff to Sodalities, in 
 honor of the Sacred Heart of our Divine Lord. 
 
 FORTY HOURS DEVOTION. 
 
 This grand devotion, so conducive to piety and productive of good, 
 was canonically established in the Diocese of Ottawa by His Lordship 
 Bishop Duhamel, by a pastoral letter, Nov. 21st, 1879. The devotion 
 begins each year on the first Sunday of Advent at the Cathedral Church 
 of the diocese, and dates are appointed for the exercises in the parishes, 
 missions and religious communities of the diocese, so that during the . 
 whole year, in some parish, mission, &c., our Divine Lord is honored | 
 in the great sacrament of His love to men. 
 
 WAY OF THE CROSS. 
 
 The Way of the Cross, or Stations of the Cross, so dear to every 
 Christian, old and young, was canonically established in St. Mary's 
 Church on the 29th of August, 1880 (by virtue of an Indult of His 
 Holiness Leo XIII., dated 29th of December, 1878). During the 
 season of Lent, and throughout the year, the taithful endeavor to per- 
 form this devotion so pleasing to our Divine Lord, and enriched with 
 the most precious indulgences. 
 
 ASSOCIATION OF ST. FRANCIS OF SALES. 
 
 This Society, for the propagation of the faith, owes its origin to the 
 late Pius IX. It was established in this diocese in a pastoral letter of 
 His Lordship Bishop Duhamel, on the 20th May, 1877. 
 
 C. M. B A. 
 
 A writer in the Catholic Review, Brooklyn, in communication to 
 that journal, says: "Besides Catholic education there is another im-A 
 '* portant subject to which the zealous Bishop (Ryan, of Buffalo) is] | 
 "devoting much of his attention, viz. : Catholic Societies. Knowmgf , 
 
— ..«^^!^al^>ji. 
 
 20 
 
 "the fearful spread of unhallowed secret societies, and the necessity of 
 " guarding our young men from joining their ranks, he has given the 
 *' full weight of his e|)iscopal approbation to the 'Catholic Mutual 
 " Benevolent Association.' Horn in the brain of a good priest. Father 
 " Moynihan, of Niagara Falls, says the Catholic Union and Times, the 
 " C. M B. A. is Catholic in its very fibre, having been baptized and 
 '* confirmed to the church, its sponsor, in the latter sacrament, being no 
 *' other than the officiating prelate himself, the Rt. Rev. S. V. Ryan, of 
 " Buffalo." 
 
 A Branch (No. 34) of the above highly approved association was 
 established in Almonte on the the ryth June, 1884. The following are 
 the members at the first election of officers : Rev. I). F. Foley, Spiritual 
 Adviser ; James Dowdall, President ; T. VV. McDermott, 1st Vice- 
 President ; M. McAuliffe, 2nd Vice-President ; P. J. Doherty, Record- 
 ing-Secretary ; Hugh Fay, Assistant-Secretary ; John Slattery, Financial- 
 Secretary ; Jos. Letang, jr., Treasurer ; -Anthony Madden, Marshal; 
 Peter Bourke, Guard ; Patrick Slattery, Chancellor pro tern. Patrick 
 McDermott and Jos. Letang, Trustees for two years. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 LIBRARIES. 
 
 The good people ot P^amsay, whilst engaged in clearing the country 
 and preparing future fields, which now gladden their owners, were not 
 unmindful of cultivating a taste for reading good books, and thus im- 
 proving the minds of young and old. For this purpose a movement 
 was started towards establishing a parochial library. The Rev. Father 
 Vaughan's appeal met with a hearty response. The books were soon 
 purchased, comprising religious, moral, doctrinal and historical works, 
 together with instructive tales. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 
 200 V ilumes were to be selected from at the beginning. Books, at this 
 period, were very expensive, and this small library was quite a luxury. 
 The entrance fee was 25 cents, and one dollar annual subscription. 
 Amongst the first subscribers we find the names of Rev. E. Vaughan, 
 Edward Dowling, Patrick Corkery, Isaiah McKean, Michael Foley, 
 [ Michael McDermott ; in all, 37 members at the start. At a meeting 
 j held on the 3tst Dec, 1853, for the purp(!)se of electing officers, w"? 
 ^ find the following minute : " Moved by Edward Mahon, seconded by 
 ^ " M. McDermott, That Michael Folev take the chair. Carried. 
 " Moved by Edward Dowling, seconded by W. O'Reardon, That 
 *" Messrs. Michael McDermott, Wm. Nagle, Timothy O'Reardon, E. B. 
 
 \ 
 
*' Mahon, Isaiah McKean and Michael Foley do form a committee, 
 " with j)owcr to add to their number, to transact the parochial library. 
 •'Carried." 
 
 For a period of fifteen years this library continued to exert its in- 
 fluence for good. Indeed, what has not the '"euding of good books ac- 
 complished ? The book is an important factor for good, if it be good ; 
 for evil, if it be evil. But books, like other things on this planet, have 
 their day. 'i'hey cannot last forever. Time began to tell on many of 
 these volumes, and at the burning of the first church the greater num- 
 ber of them were destroyed. There are still at Almonte some few 
 well-worn volumes of the parochial library established in 1853. The 
 intentions of the founders were carried out as far as human means 
 allowed, and it is to be hoped the reward which is promised to every 
 good work will have been given to those who earned it* 
 
 F. M. T. A. LIBRARY. 
 
 '* We must never be weary in doing good," is the advice of the 
 great Apostle. The F. M. T. A. was not unmindful of this recommend- 
 ation, and as soon as circumstances permitted, resolved to start a new 
 parc^chial library in connection with their Society. A number of books 
 was secured, and each year new volumes are being added It need 
 not be said that the books, somewhere near 400, are eagerly read by 
 old and young. There is already the foundation of a valuable and ex- 
 tensive library, Irom which, even now, all may derive pleasure, 
 information and profit. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. . :■ . , 
 
 REGISTERS OF THE MlSStoN. 
 
 The eafh registers of baptisms, marriages arid burials may be found 
 in V> th, from which, by earliest records, this mission was attended, 
 also from Huntley, to which this mission was once attached. The 
 only register still preserved here is a small book, for the years 1845, 
 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849, 185a The other registers, apart from those 
 mentioned in above places, and on hand, were lost at the burning of 
 the first church, in r868. There is a correct register of baptisms, 
 marriages, burials, first communions, confirmations, and other paroch'al 
 documents on hand at Almonte from the day of its becoming a parish, 
 t. e., in the year 1872. In searches, to be made for previous years, 
 information could be had at Perth (Diocese of Kingston), Huntley, and 
 probably some few acts at the parish of Richmond, except for those 
 years, when a special mission register was kept, and which perished at 
 the burning of the church, as above mentioned. 
 
 i 
 
 
A V- 
 
 
 -«tx^^a^5vj»— - 
 
 li 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 CANDIDATES TO THE PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 It is a great honor for any parish to be able to point to its children 
 wlio have been called by God to the sublime dignity of the priesthood. 
 The County of Lanark seems to have been particularly favored in this 
 respect. In the portion of it belonging to the Diocese of Kingston, 
 many have entered the sanctuary — we find the names of Rev. H. Burns, 
 once parish priest of Brockville ; Rev. Father M. Stafford, who for 
 years ably advocated the cause of education, temjxirance, and 
 religion — and died at Lindsay in 1882, universally regretted; also Rev. 
 Fathers Rossiter, Casey, Hogan, M. Connolly, J. Connolly, Dowdall, 
 and Rev. J. H. McDonough, nephew of late Very Rev. J. H. Mc- 
 Donough, of Perth, who attended this mission, now pastor of Napanee, 
 Ont. Even this portion, or the township of Ramsay, has contributed 
 her share. We find the names of Rev. J. Cadigan, at one time Secre- 
 tary to the Bishop of Ottawa, and until the time of his death pastor of 
 Onslow (P. Q.), where he exercised his talents and zeal in behalf of the 
 good people committed to his care, v/ho will long remember the good 
 work he accomplished among them. Rev. P. Corkery, now pastor 
 of Huntley, is likewise a child of this parish. 
 
 liast year (1884) a young seminarian, Farrell J. McGovem, of this 
 town, was senl by His Lordship the Bishop of Ottawa to the Urban 
 College, De Prupaganda Fide, at Rome, to complete his studies for the 
 priesthood. His return from Rome will give new joy to those who 
 have known him from his youth. 
 
 Almonte is also able and proud to have given a bishop to the church, 
 in the person of the Right Rev. S. V. Ryan, Bishop of Buffalo. On 
 the 19th of August, 1882, the parish of St. Mary's was honored with a 
 visit from this distinguished prelate. He spent a Saturday, Sunday 
 and Monday with the pastor. Rev, D. F. Foley. On Sunday morning 
 he celebrated Mass at 8 o'clock, preached at High Mass, on the Blessed 
 Virgin, it being the Solemnity of the Assumption, and at Vespers at 
 7 o'clock preached a most eloquent sermon, taking for his subject : 
 The Church. He was afterwards presented with an address from the 
 congregation. 
 
 We lay before our readers the account of his visit, copy of address 
 and reply as published in the Almonte Gazette of the folldwing week : 
 
At the close of the evening service, on behalf of the congregation, 
 Mr. James Dowdall read and presented the Bishop with the following 
 
 AUDRRSS : 
 To the Right Rev. Bishop Ryan, liuffalo : 
 
 May it please your^ Lordship, —It is with feelings of the most sinceie and heart-felt 
 pleasure that we, the' people of St. Mary's Frxrish, welcome you amongst us. 
 
 It is a cause of gre^t pride to us that we can claim this parish as the birthplace of 
 so exalted and illustrious a prince of our church 
 
 The jx)sition which you occupy as the distim^uished head of so important a diocese 
 as that of the city of Buffalo could not he attained except by one possessed of unex- 
 ampled piety, great learning and sound judgment. 
 
 We rejoice that such high and holy honors should l)e earne<l by and conferred 
 upon a native of the township of Ramsay. 
 
 Ireland has many reasons to feel a blessed joy in the fact that her jwor children, 
 driven from their native land, have yet in all nations and places clung with fervor and 
 devotion to the holy faith of their fathers. Hut if this be so it is due almost entirely 
 to the devoted and unselfish labors and sacrifices of the Irish Priesthood. It is 
 because Irishmen, or the descendants of Irishmen, endowed with those lofty and 
 ennobling attributes with which God in His goodness has blessed you, have enlisted 
 their services under the banner of, and have worn out their lives in working for the 
 ancient faith. 
 
 We thank you for your great kindness in twice addressing us to-day. Your words 
 have sunk deeply into our hearts, and we shall there cherish them. We will 
 endeavor to follow the good and fatherly instructions which this day fell in such 
 kindly words from your lips. 
 
 We hope th.it you will continue to rememl)er the place of your birth, and we ask 
 you to rememl)er us in your prayers, asking for us that God may bless us, that we 
 may be loyal, (iod-fearing citizens of this our native or adopted country, under whose 
 laws our rights and liberties are recognized and protected, and that we may ever be 
 practical, steady, and firm in our holy faith. 
 
 And we sincerely pray that God may shower down His blessings upon you, that 
 you may be long spared to adorn the position the duties of which you now perform 
 with such great leal, energy and ability, and that when your labors in this world are 
 ended you may receive that eternal reward which God grants to those who have Ijeen 
 persevering and faithful in His service. 
 
 Signed on behalf of the congregation of St. Mary's church, Almonte. 
 
 P. Skymoi;r, 
 
 J. DOWUALL, 
 
 P. Reilly, 
 
 D. P. Lynch, M. D., 
 
 TOHN O'Hkark, 
 
 John Mauden, 
 
 P. Daly, 
 
 Thomas Foley, 
 
 Patrick Ryan. 
 
 His L(|irdship appeared to be taken by surprise, as well as highly 
 gratified, and in response delivered an excellent reply, which we regret 
 we cannot give in full. In the course of his remarks, Bishop Ryan 
 dwelt u*" 1 the advantages of education and the great progress made 
 in educa..onal institutions recently in Canada. He also spoke \y ry 
 forcibly and flatteringly of the freedom and equality enjoyed by all 
 classes in Canada, and urged upon his hearers to prize these ad- 
 vantages. The Bishop then enlarged upon the duty of beings faithful to 
 the teachings of their pastor and the claims which religion had upon 
 
t 
 
 — (S^I^SWs- 
 
 
 them, and that only as they valued their educational and religious 
 privileges and lived up to them, would they become useful and law- 
 abiding citizens. The Bishop also spoke of his desire to see the spot 
 where he was born, and, as far as his memory would serve him, to note 
 the changes which had been made by time, and which were very great,. 
 He expressed the pleaoure his visit had given hun, and his pride at 
 being made the recipient of so gratifying an address. On Monday he 
 drove out to Clayton to visit his native hearth. It is evident that 
 foreign associations and the possession of dignities has not obliterated 
 from the Bishop's heart the love of his native land, or made him 
 msensible to the great progress she has made amongst the peoples. 
 
 ♦v 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 LIST OF PRIESTS WHO HAVE ATTENDED THE MISSION. 
 
 FATHER JOHN M'dONALD, V, G. — 1823-1838. 
 
 Who has not heard of " Father John," as he was familiarly and 
 affectionately called ? His history still remains to be written, for his 
 self-sacrifice, fatherly advice, and abundant labors are yet producing 
 good fruits in the many fields that witnessed his apostolic zeal. His 
 name is a household word. Not only among Catholics, but among 
 other denominations he was respected and revered. During the time 
 he was parish priest of Perth he attended to the spiritual wants of this 
 mission for a period of about fifteen years. Who could recount the 
 hardships and fntigue he underwent during those early days, when a 
 path through the woods was the only road, and travelling had to be 
 done on foot. Storm or sunshine was the same to him when duty 
 called. The early settlers of this mission keiep his name Mm grateful 
 remembrance for the blessings he wns instrumental in bringing upon 
 their fields, their homes, and their families. In 1838 he left Perth for 
 the ancient parish of St. Raphael's, where he continued to exercise the 
 holv ministrv until the year 1864, when he retired from the active 
 ministry. Although advanced in years, he still continued to give advice 
 to those who sfAight it, and was always pleased to have a visit from his 
 old friends, and then, full of years and labors, he finished his course, 
 and went to receive his crown on the r5th of March, 1879, at the 
 patriarchal age of 97 years. He was buried in the church of St. 
 
v<$y(Q^QSs^' 
 
 Raphael's, a large number of priests and an immense congregation 
 being present at his funeral service. A monumental slab has been 
 erected to his memory at the above church, with the following 
 inscription : , , 
 
 ., (. , I^ray for the ' 
 
 VERY REV. JOHN McDONALD, 
 
 FOR MANY YEARS PASTOR OF THIS 
 ' T CHURCH. ■• 
 
 BORN IN KNOIDART, SCOTLAND, 1 782. 
 
 ORDAINED PRIEST 1814. 
 
 DIED 15TH MARCH, 1879, IN THE 97TH 
 
 YEAR OF HIS AGE AND THE 65TH 
 
 OF HIS PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 II. 
 
 ■ 
 
 VERY REV. J. H. m'dONOUGH. — 1838-1845. 
 
 This zealous pastor was born in the County Mayo, Ireland, in 1812. 
 He attended this mission for about seven years from Perth, he having 
 been appointed to succeed Father John McDonald in 1838. The 
 honor of building the first church in Ramsay, old St. Mary's, belongs to 
 Father McDonough. He labored with untiring devotion to promote 
 the spiritual welfare of this mission. His labors in Perth, during his 
 long pastorate, were most abundant. St. John's Church,* a monument 
 in itself, and the magnificent presbytery, etc., are due to him. He 
 visited the land of his birth and Rome, towards the end of his pastorate. 
 On the 28th September, 1866, he departed this life, and was buried 
 beneath the sanctuary of the church he loved so well. Thos. D'Arcy 
 McGee, statesman and poet, was a personal friend of his, and published 
 some beautiful verses to the memory of the deeply lamented pastor. 
 In terminating this very brief notice we will do so by quoting two lines 
 from the above verses : . 
 
 Ashes to ashes ! Earth to earth ! , 
 
 Peace to the soul of the priest of Perth. A. 
 
 *The magnificent spire of St. John's Church was built by the present pastor, 
 Rev. J. S. O Connor. 
 
• -^^ji^w<i 
 
 III. 
 
 REV. TERENCE SMITH. 
 
 This rev. gentleman was born in Ireland In the year 1806, and was 
 ordained in Montreal in the month of October, 1836. Sliortly after 
 his ordination, about the month of November, 1836, he came to the 
 mission of Richmond, in the county of Carleton. He ministered to the 
 spiritual wants of the mission of Ramsay. His name is found in a 
 small parochial register of this mission during the years 1845, 1846, 
 1848. It was in about 1848 that Ramsay and Pakenham, &c., passed 
 into the new Diocese of Ottawa. In 1846 we find the names of Father 
 Smith and Father Peter O'Connell heading a subscription list towards 
 lathing and plastering the Ramsay R. C. Church. The Rev. Father 
 Smith made a trip to the land of his birth during the month of July in 
 the year 1846, and was replaced by Rev. Father P. O'Connell. He 
 returned in 1848, and remained until September of the sime year, when 
 he was su cceeded by Rev. E. Vaughan. He attended to the spiritual 
 wants of Richmond until November, 185 1, when he went to Smith's 
 Falls, Diocese c" Kingston. His labors in this mission were laborious 
 and crowned with success. He continued the work of the ministry in 
 Smith's Falls until the year 1859, when he was called to hi; reward. 
 
 In the church there, a marble tablet has been placed in the wall, 
 over the place of his interment, with the following inscrijjtion : 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 REV. TERENCE SMITH, 
 
 DIED DEC. 6th, 1859, 
 AGED 53 YEARS. 
 
 IV. 
 
 REV. P. O'CONNELL. 
 
 The name of this zealous priest is found on the registers of this 
 mission from May, 1846, to January, 1848. He attended here during 
 the absence of Rev. Father Smith, who went on a visit to Ireland. 
 Father O'Connell will always be kindly remembered in this parish. 
 He has been since 185 1 the respected pastor of Richmond and adjoin- 
 ing missions, and the universal wish is that he may be long spared to 
 labor in the ministry which he has highly honored. 
 
 V. 
 
 REV. EDWARD VAUGHAN. — 1 848- 1 868. 
 
 This devoted priest was born on the 8th June, 1813, at Westport, 
 County Mayo, Ireland. He received ordination from Most Rev. 
 Archbishop McHale (the lion of the fold of Judah), of Tuam, Sep. 
 
:<a/^^^^AVs>T' 
 
 1 
 
 1836. After laboring in Ireland he directed his steps towards America, 
 as the Bishops of Canada were anxious to have priests. He landed in 
 Canada about the year 1841, beginning his active duties in the Diocese 
 of Kingston, and attending to the spiritual wants of the few and scatter- 
 ed Catholics in the vicinity of Gananoque. 
 
 Ottawa, or rather By town, as then called, being formed into a 
 diocese, he was induced, owing to the few priests to meet the wants of 
 this new portion of the Lord's vineyard, to devote his zeal and talents 
 to his countrymen in the Ottawa district. He attended Huntley, 
 Pakenham, Darling, Lavant and Ramsay. His task was one of labor 
 and self-sacrifice. His eloquent voice was ever heard in upholding the 
 faith, and his cheering w^ords of encouragement to the negligent brought 
 many to mercy and repentance. Though possessed of a strong con- 
 stitution, his numerous duties began to undermine his health. He 
 sought to regain strength that he might still bear the heat and burden 
 of the day. He made a short trip to Ireland. He, however, after 
 returning, resigned his charge, which was accepted with reluctance by 
 Mgr. Guigues, for he knew and valued the one who offered his resigna- 
 tion. Father Vaughan went to the Western States, and spent some 
 time at the Monastery of Mt. Melleray, Dubuque, for which life he had 
 a great desire. He returned to the Diocese of Ottawa, and for a short 
 time attended the mission of Osgoode. At the close of 1869 he once 
 more resigned, and left for the Monastery at Tracadie that he might 
 still pray for his old parishioners, and after laboring for them, to labour 
 for his own immortal soul. He spent his last years in this retreat of 
 prayer and grace, and gave up his soul to God on the 14th May, 1882. 
 Long will the name of Father Vaughan be remembered in the parish 
 of Almonte, and many a prayer has been said that his reward might be 
 increased in the Kingdom of Heaven, 
 
 REV. A. o'mALLEY. 
 
 The Catholics of this parish will long remember the Rev. Father 
 O'Malley, and can never repay the debt of gratitude they owe him for 
 his labors amongst them. In the preceding pages reference has been 
 made to his buildmg the new St. Mary's Church, which will, first of all, 
 stand a monument to his zeal. He devoted himself to their spiritual 
 welfare, and his voice was always heard in the interests of religion. 
 He has an Irish heart, loves his native land and loves the church, and 
 is beloved in return by all those who appreciate such qualities. He 
 labored for many years in the eastern portion of this diocese and at 
 Portage du Fort. After this mission was formed into a parish he con- 
 tinued his zeal in the parish of Huntley until October, 1884, when he 
 resigned, and returned to the land of his birth. County Mayo, Ireland. 
 The people of this parish, and all who knew his kindness of heart, f^ 
 join in the sincere wish that he may enjoy a well-earned rest after his 
 long and successful years spent on the mission in Canada. 
 
 t 
 

 ' 
 
 i 
 
 —(j-x^^aJ^s^- 
 
 VII. 
 
 D. 
 
 REV. R. FAURE, D. 
 
 From July, 1872, to Jan., 1875, this devoted priest, who is a native 
 of France, and ordained in Ottawa, contributed his share in forwarding 
 the interests of this parish. He was promoted from here to the parish 
 of Pembroke, and when i.iat town became the residence of Bishop 
 Lorrain in 1882, Father Faure accepted a prominent parish in the city 
 of Buffalo from Rt. Rev. Bishop Ryan, where he is still continuing the 
 work of the ministry. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 REV. E. J. J. STENSON. — JAN., 1875, TO JUNE, 1878. 
 
 The few years the above pastor spent in this parish were years of 
 progress, spiritually and temporally. He devoted his ability and zeal 
 to further on every good work, and added not a few new ones. In the 
 course of this sketch reference has been made to his labors, which will 
 be always justly appreciated. 
 
 IX. 
 
 REV. J. F. COFFEY, M. A. — 1878-1881. 
 
 The above rev. gentleman is a native of Ottawa, and has already 
 labored in this diocese. He administered the parish of Almonte from 
 August, 1878, to December, i88r. His labors here were highly ap- 
 preciated, and at his departure the congregation gave expression to 
 their sentiments of regret by a public address, &c. Father Coffey has 
 for already several years edited the Catholic Record (London, ( >nt.), 
 and it was at the urgent request of His Lordship Bishop Walsh that 
 Father Coffey wenjt from here to devote his talents to the cause of 
 Catholic journalism. The congregation of Almonte hold in the highest 
 esteem the once revered pastor, and trust that he may be long spared 
 to adorn the responsible position he now fills with such honor and 
 credit. 
 
 X. 
 
 REV. B. CASEY. 
 
 After the departure of Rev. Father Coffey he exercised the work of 
 the ministry until an appointment would be nade, and his name is 
 found in the register from Jan., 1882, to June of the same year. 
 
 XI. 
 
 REV. D. F. FOLEY. — 1 882. 
 
 He was appointed by Rt. Rev. J. T. Duhamel, the 8th July, 1882, 
 and is still exercising the duties of the ministry in the parish of St. 
 Mary's, of Almonte. 
 
 / 
 
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 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In terminating this rapid glance at the events of more than half a 
 century, it will be seen that " excelsior " has been the guiding star 
 throughout this long period. Progress has been made all around us 
 as well as at home. When this mission began its career there was but 
 one diocese, the Diocese of Kingston, in the present Provi*^ •:e of 
 Ontario. Since then the Diocese of Toronto (1842), Hamiltc . ^1856), 
 London (1856), Peterborough (1882), and the Vicariate of Pontiac 
 (1882) have been founded, the latter being formed of a portion of the 
 Diocese of Ottawa. The immediate townships of Huntley, Pakenham, 
 etc., are now extensive parishes. Last year Carleton Place, Township 
 of Beckwith, was honored with a visit from Most Rev. Dr. Cleary, 
 Bishop of Kingston, and it soon welcomed its first pastor, Rev. Father 
 O'Donohue, and saw a church rising in its midst. 
 
 The Cathedral of By town — now a " magnificent Basilica " — has by 
 a special favor of Leo XIII., to His Lordship Bishop Duhamel, been 
 affiliated to that of St. Mary Major, of Rome, with communication of 
 indulgences, spiritual favors and privileges, granted by the Sovereign 
 Pontiffs to the Very Holy Patriarchal Liberian Basilica. 
 
 The College of Ottawa has become a University, nobly continuing 
 its mission. Everything indicates that the close of the century will be 
 in keeping with the past. It is for us to still adorn and prepare our 
 souls for God's everlasting temple. This earth was made for man, but 
 man is made for a better and more peaceful world. May all therefore 
 labor in the " Church Militant " that they may be rewarded in the 
 " Church Triumphant." 
 
 
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 1882, 
 f St. 
 
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