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CHAPTER XXIII.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN WESTPORT — ITS
Farty History AND PROGRESS.
Ir would be next to impossible, in the small space
afforded in the present work, to give a full and
accurate account of the early history and progress
of the Catholic Church in this portion of the County.
To do full justice to the subject would require quite
a volume in itself. Looking over its past and
present picture, one can scarcely realize how so
much could have been accomplished in so limited
a period. |
Prior to the year 1847, occasional visits were made
by neighboring priests, to attend to the spiritual
requirements of the few scattered Catholic families,
when the Rev. J. V. Foley was appointed as the
first resident Pastor of the Westport Missions
(composed of the townships of North and South
Crosby, .Bedford, Olden, Oso, and Hinchinbrooke),
to attend to the spiritual wants of a people who, at
that time, were not overburdened with the goods
of this world. But though poor in means, still they
were otherwise rich : they possessed good will—the
key that unlocks every difficulty, and accomplishes
wonders. |
At that time, there was no. church where people
could assemble together. The standing forests had
first to be cleared. The united efforts of stout
hands and brave hearts that came from foreign
lands were required to give us the parishes and
stately churches that to-day constitute the brightest
after accepting the direction of this Mission, applied
himself. to the fulfilment of so great a charge—one
well calculated to tax all his zealand courage. For
some time, the consolations of religion were had in
humble dwellings, at distances to accommodate the
families of the small and scattered settlements. At
length an effort was made to erect a church on the
mountain, four miles from Westport. This building,
known as the “ Mountain Church,” was constructed
of logs, at that time considered a luxury. The
road leading to it for some distance was a mere foot
path through the woods, and years elapsed before a
carriage road was made. This rude and humble
chapel was, Sunday after Sunday, filled with a
devout congregation, all performing the journey
on foot, over distances of. ten and twelve miles,
Later on, a church of more pretensions was
erected in Bedford, close to the boundary line of
North Crosby. But trials will come. How great
find the building, which they had only raised up,
falling a prey to the. flame, and tendering all their
exertions fruitless. They were now in a worse state
work was again commenced, and another building
erected on the same spot.
Thus, for several years, the Rev. J. V. Foley
administered to the every day increasing wants
of the people, alternately between the Mountain
reverend pastor had to meet with in the discharge
of these onerous duties. At all seasons—in heat
and cold—the wants of this growing congregation
found a place in the heart of their pastor.
In 1852, the church property in Westport was
purchased, and a handsome. parochial residence
erected. The good seed that was thus sown,
did not fail to produce the most abundant fruits.
The people, as the years advanced, advanced also,
spiritually and materially. It was at length in
contemiplation to build a large stone church in
Westport —one that would unite the scattered
to the young and promising parish. But how could
it be accomplished? To attempt the erection of
so large a structure, seemed but a dream of the
future. A stirring appeal was made to the people
by their pastor. The well known voice of him who
was with them in their early struggies and sacrifices
was cheerfully responded to. Their good will,
which was but a slender plant in the past, was a
promising one—it had increased in growth. With
one mind and one heart, headed by their pastor, the
spot was chosen; and, with becoming pomp and
ceremony, the corner-stone was laid August 31st,
1859, by the late Bishop Horan, of Kingston,
amidst a vast concourse of the faithful. Soon
after, the walls were raised, the building roofed in,
and the Cross planted on the tower of the present
church of Westport (dedicated to St. Edward, King
and Confessor.)
The joy of the good people may be more easily
imagined than described, when for the first time
they assembled within its walls to adore their
Creator. Many and great were the sacrifices made
by priest and people ; receiving help from those of
other creeds. Happily, amongst all classses and
denominations in this community, the utmost
harmony and christian charity have ever reigned.
Thus was this great undertaking realized. The
Catholics of this parish have to-day a church, which
older congregations possessing ample means, might
one. Built on the gentle slope of a hill, it meets the
eye of the traveller from whatever direction Westport
is approached. Its beautiful white stone and rich