Sarnia Observer: January 30th 1880
Magnificent and Imposing Edifice.
One of the Finest in Western Canada
Readers of The Observer are aware that, during the past two years, a new house of worship has been in process of erection in this town for the congregation of the Roman Catholic [Church]. The imposing structure is now completed, and – as mentioned in a previous issue – will be opened for Divine worship on Sunday next, by His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Walph(?), of London, assisted by clergymen from various parts of the diocese,among whom the following are expected: Dean Murphy, of Dublin; Father McGanvran, of Corunna; Father Anabro, of Wyoming; Father Ouelette, of Maidstone; and Father WanLauwe, of Port Huron. His Lordship will preach at the morning service, and in the evening Rev. Dr. Kilroy will deliver a lecture. At both services there will probably be the largest congregations ever assembled in Sarnia to witness the imposing ceremonies. The well-known Marentette brothers, of Windsor, are to take charge of the musical part of the ceremony, assisted by Mrs. Kilroy, sister-in-law of Rev. Dr. Kilroy. At each service a special collection is to be taken up, which will undoubtedly be liberal.
The Roman Catholic body, to whom the church belongs, are to be congratulated in possessing so comfortable and commodious a sanctuary in which to worship, and their enterprise and liberality are to be commended. The town of Sarnia, also has every reason to be proud in having such a really splendid building within its borders, as the church is beyond question one of the best in Western Ontario. The site upon which the edifice stands was presented by Mr. George Durand to the Roman Catholics for church purposes between forty and fifty years ago. Overlooking the St.Clair, in full view, the church stands a prominent landmark, to be seen and admired by tourists and other who annually traverse our magnificent river; and as it is situated on one of our finest streets, it must certainly aid materially in giving a favourable impression to visitors to Sarnia.
It may not be generally known that the Roman Catholic denomination is the oldest in Sarnia, although the Methodists claim the honor of having built the first church in the town. Father Ferwette, a missionary (now deceased), was the first priest in the recollection of the oldest settlers. He resided here in the year 1828 – fifty-two years since. At that time our present large and prosperous cities were mere hamlets; and Sarnia, it will be understood, was a village of very small pretensions. Services were performed by Father Ferwette in Mr. Pare’s house, where the Alexander House now stands, at the time to which we allude – over half a century ago – and the records show that on February 12th, 1828, Mr. Ignace Causeley was married to Miss Felix Laforge; Mr. Allan Laforge to Miss Brandamore; and Mr. Solomon Laforge to Miss Gallerneau – the ceremonies having been performed by Father Ferwette at the residence of Mr. Gallerneau, in Mooretown.
Father Ferwette was succeeded by Pere Duranquet, a Jesuit and also a missionary priest – now a missionary in the Northwest – to whom belongs to the honor of having built the first church for the Roman Catholics of Sarnia. It is now used as a residence by the present priest, and was built about thirty five years ago. The building is situated on the church property.
Father Kirwan followed in 1856, coming to this place from London, and was the first resident pastor of Sarnia. Finding the place of worship too small for his rapidly growing congregation, he raised a list of subscriptions and built the old frame church, which stands at the rear of the new edifice, and which was used on Sunday last for the last time prior to being removed. Father Kirwan left Sarnia in the year 1863, but since that time death has closed his labors. He was a great favorite with all classes of the community – Protestants and Catholics alike-and his death was heard of with profound sorrow
Dr. Kilroy, the present parish priest of Stratford, came next, remaining five or six years. He was followed by Father Beausang, now of Kingsbridge, Ont., and he by father Bonbat, the present parish priest of Ingersoll, who officiated for about five years longer, who in turn was succeeded by Father Bayard, then of Ingersoll. The latter rev. Gentleman is the present popular pastor of the Roman Catholic church of Sarnia, under whose [administration] the present magnificent church has been built.
Ground was first broken for the foundation of the new edifice on the 19th of March, 1878, the corner-stone being laid on the 9th of June following Rt. – Rev. Dr. Walsh, Bishop of London. The inscription on the front (or west) side of the stone reads –
HARC EST
DOMUS D’NI
FIRMITER AEDIFICATA
A.D. 1878
On the south side of the stone are the words: “Laid June 9, 1878.” The roofing of the building was completed towards the end of the same year, when the workmen were compelled to postpone their labor until the following month of April, owing to the severity of the weather. Work was then resumed, continuing without accident up to the end of last week, when the structure was pronounced completed.
The “Church of Our Lady of Mercy” – for such is the title of the edifice, beautifully inscribed on the keystone – is situated on the corner of Christina street and London Road, facing the west. It is built in modern gothic style, and stands on a spec of 52 feet 9 inches by 100 feet, with north and south transepts, each measuring 8×28 feet; the sanctuary, 22×28 feet; and the sacristy at the rear, 22×30 feet. The foundation is built of limestone, of rock-face work; and the superstructure is of white brick, with Ohio sandstone trimmings. The tower is situated on the southwest corner, measuring from the grade line to the top of the cross 168 feet. The spire is covered with slate of variegated patterns, the four sides of its base showing the sacred monogram, “I. H. S.” Pennsylvania and vermont slate is used in the contruction of the roof, which is of a superior quality. The design is new and beautiful, the colors being black, green and red. The sacred characters (“I. H. S.”) also appear on the roof. Four crosses are placed at different points of the building, exclusive of that belonging to the spire, which is gilded with gold leaf, in the centre of which a small cross is sunk in black, giving a pleasant contrast. The bell of the old church has been placed in position in the new belfry.
The vestibule of the church is reached by two doors-one at the front, or main entrance, and the other at the lower, or side entrance both of which are of massive oak, and beautifully grained. These are approached by steps, of wood, painted and sanded in imitation of light sandstone – as, in fact, is all the outside woodwork. The vestibule is nine feet wide, and extends the entire width of the building. Three doors of oak, all handsomely grained, lead from the vestibule to the interior. The doors are hung on double-action spring hinges, and all open outward. The ceilings are forty feet in height, finished with open-trussed roof, dividing the ceiling into panels. The gallery extends across the front of the building, immediately above the vestibule, and is approached by a flight of winding stairs in the tower. The front central portion of the gallery projects nearly seven feet beyond the line, which is to be used by the choir. The entire wood-work of the interior of the church is oak-grained, the workmanship of which is all that could be desired. [Meesrs.] C. taylor & Son, of this town, were the contractors for the entire painting and graining. These gentlemen, as the work on the church testifies, employ none but the best workmen, and their regular staff was strengthened by the addition of Mr. James Simple, one of the best grainers in London.
The seating of the church was done by [Messrs.] Bennet Bros., of London – a well-known firm.There are three aisles, the central measuring 6ft. 10in., and the sides 3ft. 8in. in width. The number of pews are thirty-two double and thirty -two single, which will comfortably seat about [1000] persons, with sufficient room for twenty additional pews when occasion requires. The pews are of open pattern, being made of oak with walnut ornamentation, and all hard-oil finished. On the outside of each is an ornamental Gothic panel, in which is placed a cross, the sacred monogram, “I. H. S.,” being enclosed on each end in a neat design in black letters. All the pews are supplied with improved kneeling benches, which can be folded back when not in use; and sloping book supports extend at full length. Our reporter was informed that this is the only church in Ontario which is seated with this pew; and competent judges say that, irrespective of creed, the church is not only the best seated in the Province, but that it is one of the best arranged in Western Canada. [Messrs.] Bennet Bros. have certainly performed their portion of the work in a manner that cannot fail to please all interested. The value of the pews is $600.
Two steps are placed immediately in front of the communion railing, which is of a beautiful pattern, all being oak-grained with the exception of the top railing, which is laid in walnut. A door leads from the sanctuary to the sacristy, as does the one at the north end of the sanctuary. The carpeting in the latter, as well as the matting for the aisles, was provided by the Altar Society.
We now come to the most beautiful and attractive part of the church, namely, the stained glass windows. We are safe in stating that no church in canada contains finer specimens of decorative art. They were [made at] the well-known Canada Stained Glass Works, of Toronto, and were designed by Mr. Robert McCausland, a talented young Canadian artist. All the windows are gifts to the church, each bearing the name of the donor at the bottom. The two transept windows contain five lights each, that at the south end containing the subject of the Crucifixion in like size, in the three central compartments, as represented in the Gospel – the Blessed Virgin being on one side and St.John the Evangelist on the other, while at the feet of her crucified Master, Mary Magdalene is represented in the attitude of weeping – surrounded by beautiful emblematic foliage with perpendicular Gothic canopies. Two side-lights, of very elaborate geometrical designs, frame the subject. The tracery contains the figures of three angels-one holding a chalice and the other two bearing scrolls with the words; “For Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God.” This is a memorial window, as the inscription at the foot will show: “In Memoriam – R. Baby – by Mrs. R. Baby.” the companion (or north) window embraces the life-size subject of The Holy Family in the three central divisions, also surrounded by similar designs to those of the former window, the angels in this instance bearing scrolls which read: “Praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise the Lord, all ye people; praise ye the Lord.” At the base are the words: “Presented by the people of Point Edward.” These windows measure 10×30 feet, and are both magnificent works of art, the various colors being harmoniously blended together. In the sanctuary are placed life-size figures of the four Evangelists – those of Matthew and Mark being on the north side, and presented by the pastor, Rev. Father Bayard. Perfection is the word we apply to the workmanship of these beautiful windows. The rosary window is another beautiful geometrical design, of circular shape, in which the harmony of colors is well shown. This was presented by the St. Michael’s Association. There are four tower windows, one being presented by the school girls, another by the Altar Society, and the other two by Mrs. J. Quinian and Mrs. J. Savov. These, as well as the remainder of the windows, are beautifully colored. The two vestibule windows show the names of the donors as follows: “Present by Mrs. Routhier” and “Presented by Mrs. P. Dennis.” There are five side windows on the north and four on the south side of the church. Commencing at the west end, the former bear the following names: Mrs. Jas. Murphy, Mrs. M. Sullivan, Mrs. M. Sharp, Mrs. W. Donnelly and Mrs. Flahiff. Returning on the south side and commencing at the east end we find the names of Mrs. Jas. Boyle, Mrs. R.A. Baby, Henry Clarke and Mrs. T. Gleeson. The sacristy (or vestry) contains seven windows, the donors’ names appearing in the following order: Mrs. H. O’Reilly, Denis Kėrrigan. The Pupils of the Convent, The Boys of the Parish School, Mrs. Jas. Breslin, Mrs. W. Monaghan and Mrs. J. Clayton. An important feature of all the church windows is that they are supplied with patent ventilators, all being under easy control of the sexton. It is gratifying to know that first-class work of this description can no be obtained in Ontario, without having to send to England, as any alterations required during the progress of the work can be made without inconvenience or loss of time, which could not be done if ordered aboard. Another matter of importance in ordering from a Canadian firm is the extra saving in duties. We might add that the work was awarded the above establishment in competition superior designs. The entire windows are worth about $2,000.
The architect of this complete and beautiful church is Mr. Geo. Waddell, of this town, whose skill is of the highest order and whose work takes a front rank among Canadian architecture. Mr. Henry Wenino was the contactor for the carpentering, &c., sub-letting the slating to Mr. R.R. Davis, of Detroit, and the galvanized iron and tinwork to Mr. John Mahony. The painting and graining as already mentioned, was performed by Messers. C. Taylor & Son; the plastering by Mr. Jas. Ellison; and the masonry stone and brick work by Messrs. Blacker & Scott; so that the entire work, with the exception of the slating, was done by sarnia mechanics. How well each performed his part may be summed up in the single remark that each did his best-which is saying a great deal.
The building was contracted for at a cost of $15,527, exclusive of the windows and pews. The debt remaining on the church amounts to $8,000, which will be speedily wiped off by the congregation. It is the intention of the Building Committee to level and beautify the grounds-which cover about four acres-next summer, besides erecting a neat and substantial fence. As soon as their new cemetery is completed which adjoins the Sarnia Cemetery, the present graveyard is to be removed. The heating of the church for the present is to be provided by stoves, but a hot-air or steam heating system will shortly be introduced. New altars will be provided, also, in the course of time, as well as a first-class pipe organ. When these extra improvements are added the total cost will amount to above $20,000.
The following are the names of the Building committee, who have spared no pains in the bringing the edifice to its completion: Rev. Father Bayard, and Messrs. T. Gleeson, D. McCart, R. A. Baby, John Mahoney, M. Sharp, Wn. Monaghan and Jacob Spetz, with M. Sullivan, Secretary.
The Church of Our Lady of Mercy, as already mentioned, is one of the finest in Western Canada, and is in every respect a credit no only to the congregation to whom it belongs, but also to the thriving and rapidly-growing town of Sarnia.
This story was typed from scratch by Katie Braet, our coop student in 2016.