Adventures are everywhere especially when you least expect one. And adventures are not always overwhelming; some happen in rural areas as you round the bend. One of our adventures on Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) happened just that way – very unexpectedly. While on P.E.I., we wanted to see and do as much as we could. On our way to Malpeque, we could see the steeple of a church miles away. We were intrigued and had to follow the road.

What we found was St. Mary’s Church and it was gorgeous. The outside was amazing and the front door was open and inviting us in. Once inside we realized even though the church was intact, St. Mary’s had been decommissioned as a Catholic Church. Now our interest was really piqued and we had to know the history.

 

While the church has a long and varied history, the area also has much history. Indian River began as the summer grounds of the First Nations Mi’kmaq community. In the 1600s, the area was settled by the Acadians. After the Acadian Expulsion of 1755, the Scottish arrived followed by the Irish.

The first church was built in 1814 and served a large area. It is said that some families walked 20 kms to attend mass. In 1842 a larger church was built on the current site of St. Mary’s. This church stood until lightening struck in 1896. The building of the current St. Mary’s Church began in 1900. The architect, William Critchlow Harris, believed churches could be built to operate like the interiors of musical instruments with the result being less echo.  

 

The official opening and blessing of the church was October 1, 1902. Over the years, population decreased while expenses increased to upkeep the church. In the 1980s St. Mary’s was saved from demolition and a “Save St. Mary’s” campaign began to raise funds. Population continued to decrease and funds raised were not enough to maintain the church. In 2009 St. Mary’s was decommissioned. Shortly after the Friends of St. Mary’s and the Indian River Festival Association purchased the building. The church is listed as a Historic Place on the Canadian Register and each year holds the Indian River Festival. So if you find yourself on PEI see if the Indian River Festival dovetails with your visit and you will not be disappointed. 

While we never know where our wanderings will lead, this day we found a beautiful structure which was saved through determination and dedication.