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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
