St. Brigid's Church, Prince Edward Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Brigid's Roman Catholic Church |
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Town or city | Foxley River, Prince Edward Island |
| Country | Canada |
| Construction started | 1868 |
| Completed | 1873 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | John McLellan |
St. Brigid's Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Foxley River, Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlottetown. This historic church has been an important part of the community for over 150 years.
History of St. Brigid's Church
Before 1870, people living in the area called Lot 11 had to travel far to attend church. They went to St. Anthony parish in Cascumpeque. This journey involved a ferry ride and about nine miles of travel on land. In winter, they would ride a horse and sleigh across the ice.
In 1868, the Catholic settlers of Lot 11 decided to build their own church. Their first priest, Rev. James Aeneas McDonald, guided them. Construction began that year. By Christmas Eve 1870, the church was ready enough for a special midnight mass. The church was fully finished in 1873.
The church was named St. Brigid's because many of the first settlers in the area were from Ireland. St. Brigid was an important Irish saint from the 5th century.
Over the years, the church has seen some changes. In 1914, a sacristy was added. This is a room where the priest prepares for services. In 1931, lightning struck the church's tall spire. During the repairs, a new copper cross was placed on top.
Since 1982, there has not been a full-time priest living at the church. Services are now led by Father Danny Wilson. He is also the Pastor of St. Anthony's Church in Bloomfield, PEI.
In 2003, St. Brigid's Church was officially recognized as a Registered Historic Place. This means it is an important building protected under Prince Edward Island's heritage laws.
The church has held an annual picnic every summer since 1870. This tradition brings the community together.
Architecture and Design
The architect who designed St. Brigid's Church was John McLellan. He also designed other important buildings in Prince Edward Island. These include St. Joachim's Roman Catholic Church and St. Joseph's Convent in Charlottetown. The church was built by Jeremiah Dalton.
St. Brigid's Church is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s and looks like older medieval churches. The church has a central tower with a tall, pointed spire. A cross sits on top of the spire. The spire's roof has decorative, narrow windows called dormers on each of its four sides.
Big renovations were done to the building between 1913 and 1914. During this time, a side vestry was added.
The church building is sixty feet long and thirty feet wide. Its walls are 22 feet high. Inside, the church is completely covered with wood paneling. Two beautiful stained glass windows decorate the altar area. One window shows St. Brigid, and the other shows St. Patrick, another famous Irish saint.
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Aerial view
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Choir loft
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Altar
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Altar detail
