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| Welcome to St. Patrick's Church Quite a construction feat for the time, the vaulted nave, with 2 smaller barrel vaulted sections on each side, has no support columns but is a clear span from wall to wall with a height from floor to ceiling set at 32 feet |
| A small 30 by 40 foot log structure was the first Roman Catholic Church built in the northern town of Kearney, Ontario and dedicated to St. Patrick in 1888. St. Patrick's first priest, Father Peter McGuire had a parish that encompassed 6000 square miles from Bracebridge to Trout Creek and Loring over to Parry Sound, through Burk's Falls, Magnetawan, Ahmic Harbour and Dunchurch then east to the border of Algonquin Park Father Thomas Fleming became a resident pastor in 1898 and soon afterwards realized that the little church was too small for the growing town. During Winter, Mass was celebrated every weekday morning, not at the Church, but in the closed off ice cream section of the grocery store to conserve heating costs in the Church. Father Fleming involved the entire parish in the building of the second St. Patrick's Church. Volunteers hauled local fieldstone to the site by horse and wagon. Construction took between four to five years but when completed in 1904 it was a magnificient structure, easily able to accommodate 300 worshippers. |
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| Many beautiful stained glass windows grace this majestic old Church. A large centre window in the choir loft depicts St. Patrick and was donated by Hugh Gallagher. Of historical significance, it is dedicated to the memory of Thomas D'arcy McGee and the Irish Exiles. McGee was one of Canada's Fathers of Confederation who fell to an assassin's bullet in Ottawa in 1868. Also in the loft is the beautiful Church bell which rings it's deep-toned resonance prior to Mass. |
| The St. Patrick's/Holy Spirit Council of the Catholic Women's League was instituted by Bishop Webster on April 29, 1957. The first President of the council was Mrs. H. White. Since it's inception, the council has become involved in many community and nationwide charitable endeavours. Council members assist with the Parish garage sale every Summer at the end of June. Proceeds of sales are utilized by the Parish to upgrade various needs. Proceeds are now being gathered to provide wheelchair access to the 100+ year old St. Patrick's Church. Through fundraising and our involvement at the annual November Bazaar held at the Kearney Community Centre, the CWL has recently provided new chairs for the Parish Hall. Fundraising efforts may also support an unwed mother in need or go to C.A.S.E. (Canadians Against Sexual Exploitation). We also support, on a yearly basis, the Ontario Wellness Program which requires funds to operate their 'pain machine' in our area. During the past two years, we have supported 'Respect Life' by selling religious Christmas Cards. The local Legion receives a wreath each November 11 from the Kearney Council. The Council arranges many community functions wherein potluck dinners may be involved or entertainment may be required. The Council also provides coffee and donuts after Sunday Masses and honours parish members significant birthdays with a cake and fellowship after Mass. The CWL meets on the third Thursday of each month after 7:00 p.m. Mass. We are never too busy to help a person in need. Visit the Parish St. Patrick's Parish Holy Spirit Church Father Larry's Message Photos |