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, often known as the Palmer Road Church, is a Catholic church. It was built in the 1800s and is located in Palmer Road, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The church is a white wooden building designed in the Gothic style. It was finished in 1892.
As of 2014, the church holds services on Saturdays, Sundays, and during the week. It serves several nearby communities, including Palmer Road, St. Louis, Miminegash, Pleasant View, Skinner's Pond, and southern Harper Road. You can find the church where Routes 155 and 156 meet, right across from the Palmer Road Community Center.
The Church's History
The first church building on this spot was constructed in 1867. It was originally called the St. Thomas Mission. A mission is like a smaller church that is part of a larger, main church. This mission was connected to the St. Simon & St. Jude Church in nearby Tignish.
In 1878, the St. Thomas Mission became its own parish. A parish is a community of church members with its own priest and church building. This meant it was no longer just a part of the St. Simon & St. Jude Church.
Building the New Church
Sadly, in 1890, the original church building burned down. To replace it, the current church was built in 1892. Francois Xavier Edouard Meloche (1855–1917) designed the new building. He was a talented artist and architect. 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.
The church is made of wood and has a Gothic design. It is the oldest wooden church on Prince Edward Island. This church is very important because of its beautiful design and the excellent work that went into building it. It is also important because of its connection to Francois Xavier Meloche.
Recent Times
In 2007, the Bishop (a church leader) named Vernon Fougere suggested a change. He thought the Immaculate Conception parish should join with the nearby St. Simon & St. Jude parish. This idea came about because fewer people were attending services at Immaculate Conception. However, the church's pastor, Father Arthur Pendergast, and many church members did not agree with this plan.
See also
