Immaculate Conception Church (Palmer Road) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Immaculate Conception Church |
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Immaculate Conception Church in 2015
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| Location | Palmer Road, Prince Edward Island |
| Country | Canada |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Weekly attendance | under 1,000 |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | St. Thomas Mission |
| Founded | 1892 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Francois-Xavier Edouard Meloche |
The Immaculate Conception Church, also called Palmer Road Church, is a historic Catholic church. It is located in Palmer Road, Prince Edward Island, Canada. This beautiful white wooden church was built in 1892. It has a special design called Gothic style.
As of 2014, the church holds services on Saturdays, Sundays, and weekdays. It serves several nearby communities. These include Palmer Road, St. Louis, Miminegash, Pleasant View, and Skinner's Pond. The church is easy to find. It sits where Routes 155 and 156 meet. Right across the street is the Palmer Road Community Center.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Beginnings
The very first church building on this spot was built in 1867. It was known as the St. Thomas Mission. At that time, it was part of the St. Simon & St. Jude Church in Tignish. In 1878, the St. Thomas Mission became its own separate church. This meant it had its own parish and could serve its community directly.
A New Building
Sadly, the original church building burned down in 1890. But the community quickly decided to build a new one. The church you see today was finished in 1892. It was designed by a talented architect named Francois Xavier Edouard Meloche. The first stone for the new church was laid on August 15, 1892. This date is special because it is the Feast of the Acadians.
Unique Design
The Immaculate Conception Church is a wooden building with a Gothic design. It is the oldest wooden church on Prince Edward Island. Its beautiful design and careful building make it very important. It is a special landmark for the island and for Canada.
Keeping the Church Alive
In 2007, there was a suggestion to combine the Immaculate Conception parish with the nearby St. Simon & St. Jude parish. However, the pastor, Father Arthur Pendergast, and the people of the Immaculate Conception Church strongly disagreed. They wanted their church to remain open and active. Their efforts helped keep the church serving its community.
See Also
