An Old Path

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2010-12-26T15:11:00.003-05:00

"And so this is Christmas and what have you done?
Another year over, another just begun" (John Lennon)

I love this time of year - I admit I'm captivated by all the trimmings and I am out there with every other shopper crossing names off my list. But I also love this passage from the Grinch :

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold on the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?
"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
It came without packages, boxes or bags!
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

In an age of excess and abundance where big is better, it's the quiet moments that have meant the most to me. For me, these revolve around family and a few close friends. Here they are, in no particular order :
making Christmas cookies with my grand niece - they aren't perfect but they are flavoured with love
a moonlight tour of a old village with someone dear to me
holding hands in the winter moonlight
a photo with Santa with my 2 old friends
a late-night fire, a Christmas tree, and Frank Sinatra singing in the background
a trumpet and drums during midnight mass with surprise company
visiting with my Aunt and hearing stories about my dad I never knew
watching White Christmas with my sister and singing "Sisters" along with Rosemary Clooney and Vera Lang
having my grand niece home from the hospital
being invited to a family Christmas dinner in Brantford
a little bear photograph
2 homemade gifts to me - one made of wood, the other on paper

No, Christmas doesn't come from a store but is a little bit more. What makes Christmas special are those moments given and received with love. Sharing, giving, kindness, remembrance, family, friends, hope, peace, friendship. These are the true gifts of Christmas and I have been richly blessed. They are the gift of the Magi. Merry Christmas to all!

Miss M.

A Path Re-Visited - St. Agatha's RC Church, St. Agatha, Ont. Nov. 21, 2010

2010-11-21T15:11:00.008-05:00

Today, on a late fall morning, we revisted St. Agatha RC Church. We had missed each other on our previous attempt to visit this church (see earlier entry for Sept. 12th 2010) and wanted to come back for a second look. Sometimes, if you are very lucky or perhaps very blessed, life grants you a second chance. I think the moment was right to attend this church. Unknown to us, we had chosen a special day for our second visit - the occasion when all the grade 8 students declared their desire to be confirmed in the Catholic faith. It was clear that special care and preparation was taken with this mass as leaders helped guide the young congregants. Interestingly, the sermon focused on Christ as a leader and what we can learn about leadership from that model. I'm sometimes struck by how themes sometimes repeat in a week - no less than 2 days ago I talked with my grand niece about leadership by example when she told me the story of befriending a little girl in her class treated unkindly by her peers and my mind couldn't help connecting the two events. The grade 8 students concluded the mass by singing in clear and pure voices about standing up for the weak and persecuted and I thought again about leadership. God grant me the strength of a child. It was a memorable and moving service and we are richer for having attended.
Miss M.

Paris November 2010

2010-11-07T15:41:00.045-05:00

Sunset Salute To The Fallen Comrade

Canadians Juno Beach Landing

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

-Robert Stanley Weir

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.

- John McCrae

November 11 2010

In honour of the countless men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our well being and freedom, thank you. We have but one day a year that we as a nation collectively pay tribute to the veterans that are still with us and in solemn reverence remember those who have fallen in battle. Our nation is free in whole due to the actions of armed forces who have defended our borders and our way of life. Without their selfless struggle Canada and the present world would be different today.

For those of us that believe that war is cruel and avoidable should save their opinions for the UN bargaining table where peace talks fail on an hourly basis and furthermore tip your hat to the farm boys that were dumped on the beaches of Normandy on a fateful day in June '44.The images of war do not necessarily reflect our nation's present day mindset but begs the question , who will defend our shores if a real threat ever arose again?

Thank you to all the soldiers past and present for bearing arms for the nation you defend and the flag you salute.

Lorne

Sacred Heart, Paris, Ont. Part Deux

Today we made a much promised return visit to Sacred Heart Church in Paris Ontario. We had visited several weeks ago but on a Saturday and were unable to attend mass. We were both charmed by the exterior of the field stone church - the oldest we have visited at a stately 150 years and promised we would try to return for Sunday services. We honoured our promise today - the Sunday before Remembrance Day and the bright red poppies, for remembrance, were displayed in front of the altar and proudly worn by many parishioners - many dressed in black and I wished I had thought to do so too. Being a longtime student of history, I've always had a special regard for Remembrance Day when we remember and honour the men and women who served our country in times of great peril. My friend has family members who carried arms in service of our country dating back to World War I.

I was a little distracted by my thoughts of Remembrance Day but tried to focus on the interior of the church. Sacred Heart is the oldest church we have visited and I think it is perhaps the smallest as well. Both masses, however, were extremely well attended as perhaps this is the only Catholic church in the area and folks come from far and wide. Or perhaps they are simply attracted to the welcoming spirit of this church - we were heartily greeted when we approached by a tall man in a black suit with a poppy proudly pinned to his lapel. We found out later that this was the Parish Priest greeting his congregants. Father continued the entire sermon in this hearty, enthusiastic manner and I had no worry of my companion drifting off during this service (smile - that was a joke!). The pews were made of oak and numbered and well worn by the faithful over the years. The wood of the cross and buttresses was so dark it was almost black and I think dates earlier than the wooden altar and podiums - I suspect these were later additions. The plaster columns were massive and we thought we detected a slight tilt to the building as it has settled over time. But it would take more than a strong northern gale to knock this building off it's foundation. Here it was built, and here it stands.

Before we sang the final hymn, we were asked to stand and sing "O Canada" in honour of Remembrance Day. I was happy and proud to do so. While I have listened to "O Canada" played many times in my life, on TV before events or during the Olympics, I can't remember the last time I was invited to sing our National Anthem with a group of people - perhaps not since my school days now long ago. We are a modest country. Today I sang the national anthem in part to thank those men and women who fought and sacrificed here at home and overseas so we could stand in a church and have the freedom to gather and sing and pray. Such a simple thing, but such a powerful thing too.

After church we headed home and stopped in Ayr to stretch our legs and walk along a wooded path. Bridges, water, trees, blue skies. They are common themes that seem to repeat. We had a most enjoyable walk and partway through I noticed a dime on the ground. Usually it is my friend who spots the dimes - it was an old expression of his mother's that means someone is thinking of you. Or perhaps it is us who are thinking of them. Who are you remembering today?

Miss M.

"Jubliee Joy" - Oct 24, 2010

2010-10-24T10:26:00.005-04:00

Like a lot of other parishes, my parish is celebrating a Jubilee. It's pretty young compared to many other parishes which are celebrating their 125th or even 150th anniversaries - as Sacred Heart Parish in Paris Ontario is doing. In visiting different churches it is interesting to see how the masses are unique and the ways in which they are the same. The structure and words are timeless - it's one of the appeals to me - in a world that out-paces me in change, I like the continuity and timelessness of the words and message. But much like Catholic school girls each individualize their school uniforms, each church tends to have something they try to make their own. For some, it has been reaching out to the children, others the ministries within the church and for still others it has been the music. Some play a simple organ, some several instruments, some a single voice, others many voices raised in harmony. The music in my church is a mix of all of the above plus often the piano or flute or guitar thrown in for good measure. If there is an opportunity to sing, we sing. On really joyous occasions, I feel the music vibrate inside me.

All this is by way of saying our choir has made a CD called "Jubilee Joy" that I've been listening to all week. Some songs I like to play over and over again. I get like that sometimes and even my little grand niece will comment on it - at 4 she already has definite opinions about music and will say "what is this music?" or "I like this song" or "I don't like this music!". So the two thoughts have been running through my mind and intertwining together - the words of the songs along with the people who founded the churches we have visited in the last few months.

Why do people build churches? Why do they come together? Perhaps the reasons today aren't so different from 50 years ago, or 125 years ago, or 150 years ago. Maybe we come together for a sense of belonging - in an often harsh world, there is a place where we can feel hopeful and welcomed and uplifted and inspired. I think the pioneers needed that as much as we need it today. There are many ways to feel alone in our world - maybe you are away at school and trying to fit in, or maybe you are starting a life in a new community, or maybe you have lost a beloved spouse and feel adrift or maybe someone you love has turned you away. Sometimes we all can feel like Mary and Joseph who knock at the inn door and are told there is no room for us. But we're never really alone - I've been playing this song from the CD this week that reminds me of that and today we sang it in church...one of those strange co-incidences that I'm not sure are really co-incidences at all. Here are the lyrics - if I was more techno savvy I've find a link to a performance for you but being of limited expertise, I don't know how to do that. It's the words that are the important part in any case, so for anyone who needs to hear this, it is for you :

You are Mine
by David Haas

I will come to you in the silence
I will lift you from all your fear
You will hear My voice
I claim you as My choice
Be still, and know I am near

I am hope for all who are hopeless
I am eyes for all who long to see
In the shadows of the night, I will be your light
Come and rest in Me

Chorus:Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free
And all will know My name

Chorus:Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live

Chorus:Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine

Peace to you all,
Miss M.

Sacred Heart Church, Paris, Ontario - Oct. 16, 2010

2010-10-17T20:42:00.020-04:00

This weekend we ventured into Brant County with three purposes in mind. To travel country roads and view the spectacular colours of the fall leaves, to discover Sacred Heart Church located in picturesque Paris, Ontario and to dig into family history roots. All this we proposed to undertake by travelling into beautiful Paris and surroundings. We had an early start and travelled in grand style - my friend recently retrieved his much-loved 1995 Suburban truck from the paint shop and "Jane" added extra excitement to the day. Being one of the largest and strongest vehicles on the road, nothing could obscure our view.

We arrived in Paris mid-morning under clear blue skies and drove the historic downtown main street. Paris is located where the Grand River meets the Nith River. The town was named for the nearby deposits of gypsum used to make plaster of paris. We enjoyed a "fresh-air" breakfast of hot coffee and toasted bagels sitting on "Jane's" sturdy tail-gate. Does food ever taste more yummy than when eaten outdoors? Conversation flowed freely and we teased back and forth and we looked forward to the day. Our stomachs appeased, we headed to the Paris look-out - a spot along the top of a hill that overlooks the town centre, the treed and hilled mountainous terrace and the Nith River.

Next we headed off to find Sacred Heart Church. Sacred Heart Church is the oldest Catholic church we have visited on our journey together. In 1834 a vote was taken among church elders to see where to locate a Catholic Church in Brant County - Brantford or Paris? The vote was 13-12 in favour of Paris. By 1838 a wood chapel was erected dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was officially the first Catholic Church in Brant County. In 1857, construction of the present day Sacred Heart Church began and the first mass was celebrated Christmas Day. In 1880, construction was completed. Sacred Heart recently celebrated it's 150th anniversary - by far the oldest standing Catholic church we have visited. It's constructed entirely of field stone and the rock has stood the test of time. It is in remarkably fine condition and looks much as it would have done the day Christmas mass was first celebrated. Being the only Catholic church in the county, people would have travelled for many miles to attend this church. It looks solid but also cosy and welcoming at the same time and I can imagine people feeling warm and secure inside the stone walls after reaching their destination.

Unfortunately we visited on a Saturday so were unable to view the interior or attend mass. But this church is definitely worth a second visit and we hope to return another Sunday. Surely we will be in the area again as my friend has deep ties to Brant county and this was one of the reasons we visited the area today.

We often talk about being on a path or a journey on this blog. Many times we are referring to journey of discovering new churches and exploring our friendship. This weekend we travelled old roads from a families past, visited their resting places, photographed their homes and schools.

Sometimes to understand where we are going, it helps to look at the path that led us here. Maybe the answer lies where the one path joins another. There are many ways to honour a person. By taking time to look at their path it is like saying "your life mattered, we remember you, we see your contribution". By remembering and discovering, we travel their path too. And so the two paths become one.
Miss M

Autumn Leaves

The tracing of a soul as it wanders Mother Earth is as glimpsing as the seasons. My surname and family roots are on the list of things I would like to discover. I started out today as Autumn is set hard in Ontario and waits for Winter to relieve her of her duties. The turning of hardwood lots in the hills and valleys of Southern Ontario is a spectacle which my friend and I set out early to enjoy.

My Suburban has been in captivity for almost 2 years getting a fresh coat of paint. Pushed aside at the shop that collision work logically receives preferential treatment over rust work. My truck is all one colour, so dark green it is black and is absolutely beautiful. Being off the road for so long , the emission test was ignored and the truck's registration lapsed. There is very little future in running 2 year old fuel in any vehicle let alone one you would like to pass an emission test. Since "Jane" had a little over half a tank of fuel , that meant I had to burn over 100 litres of fuel in one weekend and having only a small block chevy to do such a feat we decided to take her on our latest outing. The windshield was cleaned in a Kitchener parking lot and then we were off and the reasons I own an old Suburban came back to me while driving Chevy's biggest wagon.

I stuck to old Ontario highways in order to see the view that the turning foliage offered and the slower pace that the single lane highways afford.We traveled down county roads from Kitchener through Ayr and into Paris. The scenes that were painted by nature's brush were ours to behold and savour being one of the last weeks of the year that these scenes will be playing out. The time of year that fall is in full bloom is one of my favourite and it is like every hardwood tree is vying for your attention and trying to out do his brethren. We stopped in Paris Ontario for a few reasons. To eat, take in the sights and visit a church that lays atop a riverbank on the East end of Paris.

Sacred Heart is a mid 19th century building constructed of fieldstone and is built well. The slate roof with it's scalloped edges and multi colour design that encompasses the steeple is truly the work of artisans. The stone work although simple has surprises of hidden detail. Numerous crosses made from off coloured stone are hidden on her outside walls. The peaked gables are adorned with stone crosses and would not have been easy for the craftsman to make. This building is nestled into a hillside on the banks of the Grand River and is celebrating her 150 th birthday. The stunted stanchions that hold her roof and clerestory up are blended in to the outside walls adding beauty to an already impressive facade. Being Saturday the church was not open we photographed the church's exterior and then headed for Brantford on oldhighway 24 south.

Coming into Mount Pleasant I could see urban sprawl and it's effect on the south of Brantford. We have the same effect in my city but this valley that is being filled up with cookie cutter houses is from my childhood and is where my dad grew up. He adored this valley and knew it's landscape well having walked and rode his bike here as a child and drove it in his car regularly. I think it would sadden him to see what a developer's vision realized looks like. This area of Brantford has been important in my family's roots since the 1800's and the reason for our journey today. Turning south we drove the old side roads, some of which have not been hampered by sprawl and the rolling landscape brought us to our destination.

We stopped and photographed the elementary school that my father and his siblings attended as children and attended the rear yard of the school ground to look at the river valley below. The autumn leaves lent to this scene and feeling good about the world and our place in it we drove across the road to Farringdon Hill Cemetery where quite a few of my ancestors are interned. My surname has quite a story and is unfolding before us . The tireless efforts of my co author of this blog in the researching of my ancestral roots is the main reason for the fantastic pace thus far. Visiting gravesides we either confirmed or corrected our information and made discoveries along the way. Taking in the solitude of our surroundings we quietly wished the departed well and then made our way into West Brantford to more research. Photographing houses and churches and even a Carnegie Library the day rolled away and before we knew it was time to head home.

Along our way we managed to fill our history pages , burn fuel in an old Chevy wagon , enjoy the vista offered up by Mother Earth and best of all spend quality time with a friend. Jane effortlessly brought us home through Galt and Blair and made us feel richer for having made this journey. I have said it before and it still rings true. "At the end of the day, all that matters is friends and family" ...so get out there and drag someone along for the ride, go solo if so inclined but enjoy it . Autumn's Bloom is out waiting for you to discover.

Monday am Jane set a new personal best on the E test dyno scoring near perfect . Time well spent.

Lorne

Thanksgiving Oct 11, 2010

2010-10-11T13:47:00.003-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving to who ever might have stumbled on this out of the way path and be reading this quietly travelled road. Returning to my home parish once again, my dear Father Joseph preached another thought-provoking homily yesterday. Even though Thanksgiving isn't a church inspired holiday, it is a time to give thanks for the many gifts we have been given. We have stewardship over the Earth - stewardship is different than ownership - we don't hold the deed and sometimes I despair at the care we've given to this gift.

But my heart can still catch at the beauty of the clear blue sky and the coloured leaves of a fall day. I was reminded of that many times this week. The days were so beautiful - clear, crisp, fresh - and the colours so vivid and glorious - that it sometimes felt like my heart wasn't big enough to contain the feeling - that the beauty was so piercing it caused a physical catch in my chest. Have you ever felt that way? Has someone or something ever made you feel that way?

Love can make us feel that way. Sometimes it doesn't even have to be the grand life changing moments that create those feelings - sometimes it's the tiny moments. Like this week I was driving my nieces home (eight and 4) and they were quiet in the back seat so I glanced back at them and they were silently sitting holding hands - a moment so sweet it pierced my heart with a physical pain...especially since they had been squabbling earlier in the day!

What moments have you been thankful for? Small, quiet, maybe just known to you and no other or perhaps one special person. Moments that you hug close and pull out every once in awhile to look at and turn over in your mind. They are gifts that have nothing to do with money or possesions. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Miss M.

An Old Path - Sept. 26, 2010

2010-09-26T19:07:00.006-04:00

I was thinking about the title of our blog the other day. "An Old Path" and "a journey of two friends". As sometimes happens, we couldn't arrange a 19th century church visist this weekend - we had plans of attending "St. Patrick's" in Hamilton as we weren't able to attend mass the day we visited the church and choose to attend "Christ the King" cathedral instead - the home of the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton. We both wanted to return to St. Patrick's, though, because there was such a feeling of peace inside this church we wanted to experience it more fully. We couldn't make it work this weekend, but part of the fun of this expedition is planning and looking forward to the next discovery. So we'll save St. Patrick's for another day and look forward to our return.

Back to "An Old Path". After attending St. Francis church where we are closing out our 50th year Jubilee celebrations, my friend surprised me with a country drive along the old pioneer roads. The leaves are just starting to change and the ebb and flow of our favourite valley was highlighted in the ambers and yellows of fall. My friend said he wanted to drive on dirt roads and a few minutes later we stumbled upon a secluded gravel road with trees creating an umbrella of amber and yellow leaves overhead. I teased him and asked "Do you get everything you ask for?" - and then remembered the passage "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).

We've been given so many things as part of this journey. We've learned about architecture, and buildings but also about faith and community and friendship and fellowship and also about our pioneer roots. I live in a city but when I drive the old roads I feel those roots call me very strongly.

We stopped at an old pioneer cemetery and read the names lovingly inscribed on the stones. Many of the stone were weather-worn and we could hardly make out the names from 150 years ago. Who stood where we stood? Who mourned these lives?

I suppose this all may seem really off topic and not have much to do with 19th century churches. But when I am out in the country with trees and the valley and open sky and glimpses of wildlife, I feel closer to God than at almost any other time. Maybe that is why I like it so much and seek it out. Einsten once said that the more he studies the universe, the more he believes in a higher power. Just like the finest watch is created by a mastercraftsman, the natural world around us seems created by a mind so sophisticated we can hardly comprehend the genius behind it. To believe it all to be random would be to believe those intricate watch parts came together by themselves or when thrown on the floor. No. A greater hand was behind the enterprise.

Maybe a greater hand is behind this enterprise too. Lead and we will follow. An old path.
Miss M.

Five churches , two friends , one path

2010-09-25T16:51:00.003-04:00

Gothic Revival Architecture and Joseph Connolly

Someone once said show me what you build and I'll tell you who you are. The early story of our nation - it's values, history, optimism and determination and even it's very climate and topography are written on the walls of our prominent buildings. They are uniquely Canadian and they are ours.

Timing, they say, is everything. Gothic revival architecture in Canada coincided with a great period of rapid growth and nation building following Confederation in 1867. It was the favoured building style of the times in Canada. The steep roofs and thick stone walls so characteristic of Gothic architecture are uniquely suited to Canada's northern climate and natural resources. Canada had an abundance of natural stone and was rich with the sandstone and limestone used in the construction of Gothic style buildings. The Canadian winter climate dictates how a building is constructed if it is going to last and Gothic architecture hit both notes.

Height and verticality are also key. The central aisle, or nave, is considerably higher than it is wide. The most efficient way to create height over a vast expanse is through the use of vaulted ceilings held aloft by flying buttresses. It is an idea borrowed from centuries earlier. Vertical lines are emphasized through pointed arches, towers, spires, steeples, and long vertical windows. This raises the eyes upward and in the case of churches, heavenward.

Likewise, there is an extensive use of windows to create light. The windows are often filled with stain glass to add colour but also to add narrative art - or "the poor man's bible" in churches. They tell the stories of the bible to a largely illiterate community.

Height. Verticality. Space. Light. Stone. Towers. Steeples. Spires. Stain glass. Pointed arches. These are the key features that make up Gothic Revival Architecture and the style most favoured by architects like Joseph Connolly.

Joseph Connolly was part of the wave of immigrants who set up shop here. Born in Limerick, Ireland he received his training in architecture under J.J. McCarthy, a leading 19th century Catholic Church architect. Connolly brought with him to Canada a keen interest in Gothic Revival Architecture. He designed for people that had money and the best source of money at the time was church and government.

Connolly "happened" at the right time for Canada. The buildings of the day were designed with the future in mind and broadcast the message "we have arrived". During his time in Canada, Connolly designed or refurbished more than 40 churches in Ontario. He applied centuries old designs that share a bloodline to the hilltops of Ireland.

And so we chase Connolly. By highlighting 5 churches designed by Joseph Connolly, we hope to provide a window for others to learn about the churches, the communities which built them and our rich Canadian heritage. We offer a few of our own personal observations along the way. Please join us on the journey and dream the architects' dream.

St. Patrick's Church - Hamilton, Ont. (1875)

St. Patrick's - Hamilton, ON

St. Patrick's Church is located in Hamilton, Ontario the "steel capital of Canada". Industrial ties run deep in Hamilton, but the city also boasts a natural setting that can rival any city in Canada. The cool blues of Lake Ontario on one side play off the deep greens and grey stone of the escarpment of the other. Steel and concrete. Water and stone.

Joseph Connolly designed this church for the largely Irish parishioners that worked in the iron mills of Lake Ontario. In the East end of 1877 Hamilton, one can drink water from the streams and eat fish from Lake Ontario. The church is new and fresh and most likely surrounded by greenery. Thirty-five miles to the south west a Scottish immigrant to Canada by the name of Bell has just invented something quite unique. He is in Tutela Heights, a small hamlet burg of Brantford and his telephone is going to bring changes they say.

In present day Hamilton, St. Patrick's is now located in the city centre and surrounded by pavement. There is a basketball hoop from the nearby schoolyard within 12 feet of the head. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your viewpoint, the stain glass windows are protected from stray balls, rocks and avian threats by Plexiglas and chicken wiring. The once mighty spire has been removed, most likely for safety reasons as it deteriorated over time and hasn't yet been replaced. Despite this, the church appears to be in incredibly good shape. The day we visited, scaffolding was erected on the back wall of the church and pails from mason's used for parging were upside down on the planking . It's current exterior condition and surroundings only hint at it's once stately past.

St. Patrick's, in fact, was once a Cathedral, home to the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, an honour now given to the much newer and more grand Christ the King Cathedral located on the mountain. St. Patrick's, however, is truly a 13th century Neo-Gothic style church. It has the look of Limerick, Ireland as if Connolly took this building's design from his birthplace and childhood and transformed it here for the day's mostly Irish congregants. Massive pillars hold up flying buttresses in this small church. The front of the church has a beautiful rose window and a multitude of small stained "rosettes" in cinquefoils in the clerestory. Other Gothic features include the central nave, the flanking aisles, the Gothic arches over doorways and windows and the massive double entrance doors with massive rustic iron hinges.

Rose Window and Stained Glass - Note Plexiglass and Wiring

Despite some outward condition issues, St. Patrick's is serene and welcoming inside. The day we visited the people acknowledged us and bade us well. There was a pair of gentlemen that sat in the most rearward bench, both leaning on canes, dressed in grey suit coats and hats. They looked at home here and nodded in agreement on both our arrival and departure. It's clear St. Patrick's is a haven of tranquility and calm. Within these historic and holy walls, peace reigns.

"I leave you peace, my peace I give you." (John 14:27)

Church of the Immaculate Conception - Formosa, Ont. (1875)

Church of the Immaculate Conception - Formosa, ON

We have a fascination for a certain valley. This particular valley runs from Kincardine on Lake Huron down to Long Point on Lake Erie and it holds scenic riches all along the path that await discovery. Formosa, Ontario happens to be located in South Bruce County on a picturesque stretch of this valley. Rev. Jasper Matoga, a Jesuit missionary, visited the area in Jan. 1853 on one of many trips to minister to the new settlement of the region. Upon seeing the valley in which the present day hamlet is situated, Matoga described it as "Formosa" the Latin word for beautiful.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is located atop the northeast hill and can be seen for miles thanks to her steeple. The foundation for this Joseph Connolly church was laid in 1875 - several years earlier than "Our Lady" in Guelph or "St Peter's Basilica" in London. Perhaps Connolly landed his commission in those cities based on his work here. One can only speculate. Designed by Connolly, it was built as funds allowed by the largely German immigrant farming population. In the latter half of the 19th century, a larger percentage of men than today were skilled in trades other than working their farms. You built your own house or you went without in rural Ontario and these same skills were used in erecting this church.

The farmers built around and over the original wooden church and used that structure for scaffolding for the new build. Once the shell was completed in 1880 the old wooden church was dismantled and it is this date that appears over the doorway. The interior was completed by 1885 a full five years later and is distinguished by it's intricate Gothic-style altars carved by Nicholas Durrer, a local craftsman and parishioner.

The exterior is made of hand cut stone from local rock quarries and limestone laboriously shipped by train to Mildmay and than carted by horse to the hill top. Approximately 90% is "Formosa reef" a term applied to the rough, porous locally abundant and cheap stone. The smoother limestone was brought in by train from Guelph and than by wagon over to the church site. The smoother and most likely more expensive stone was only used for a portion of the church's construction including the first few rows of the foundation, trim and pointing detail. The Sacristy, chapels and tower appear to be part of the original build and her huge bells were from the old wooden church. The pillars are plaster and masonry and have been painted in a yellow paint and Indian ink mixture or of something similar in an attempt to portray wood grain. The plaster work is an amazing testament to the original builders.

The exterior walls are square blocks of stone and the peaked roof is simply placed atop the walls making it simpler, squatter and stronger than the flying buttress style. This design was largely due to the fact that there was a church inside the church to work around and the construction could be paced by available funds.

Exterior of Sanctuary - Formosa, ON

We learn much from these early settlers whose approach was methodical, focused, measured and sustained. Looking at the landscape, the pioneers would have had a tough life and worked hard for their farms and family. Faith and family were the backbone of any settler's life.

"He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock." (Luke 6:48)

Church of Our Lady Immaculate - Guelph, Ont. (1877)

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception - Guelph, ON

"Our Lady" as the locals fondly call this stunning structure, has long been considered Connolly's masterpiece and flagship Church. It holds a commanding hilltop presence silently watching over the city of Guelph. John Galt, founder of Galt, once wrote "On this hill would one day rise a church to rival St. Peter's in Rome". One can't help but be impressed by the grand boldness of the vision.

The towers alone soar 200 feet into God's blue sky and add to that the elevation of the hill and what a view they create. They rise majestically like some great horned beast from a fictional medieval city - completely foreign in Southwestern Ontario. What awe they inspire, even today when we are used to buildings 50, 100 stories high. One can only imagine their effect on the citizenry almost 100 years ago. Perhaps that is one purpose of these grand churches - to inspire awe and faith in their humble congregants. We certainly felt awe and respect. The church has been given privilege by city fathers who have made it law that it has precedence over the view and no one or anything shall obstruct it.

The exterior is an absolute work of art and vision. The massive structure was for the most part made possible by the plenitude of shale and other sandstones found locally in the stone deposits and quarries. Workers took fifty years to complete the construction and it shows. The builder's mind wonders, if this is above the ground, how far down did they dig for the footings? We headed for the basement and noticed the massive support columns which are situated a full 1/4 of the width of the building off the exterior walls. These columns share the weight of the roof and upper stone facades with the exterior walls. This technique is daring and even more so for the time. Little wonder this is Connolly's watermark Church.

The granite pillars stretch 60 feet or more sit on even bigger columns that are buried for an unknown length into the earth. We suspect 50 ft into the earth or drilled and blasted into bedrock which is more likely given the church's location to stone quarries.

The Narthex of the church is huge and has founts located on the walls between three pairs of doors most likely to control traffic in and out of the doors. There has been some modifications performed over the years and at one time the side entrances would have emptied their traffic into this massive Narthex making it even bigger. When the church doors are open, one can see a tunnel vision view of the entire main street of Guelph.

The huge vaulted ceilings are trimmed with 8x12 ft hand sawn oak that was quarter sawn and then steamed or shaped over a fire until perfect. The fine lumber and plaster work encases some of the busiest and most gorgeous tile work that along with the impressive stain glass throughout the church tell the stories of the bible. Near the crossing offers a fine view of the galleries and side entrances/exits. This church is built in a true gothic cruciform shape - and if viewed from the air appears in the shape of a crucifix.

Interior of "Our Lady" - Guelph, ON

Much has been written about "Our Lady" and our entry just touches on a few of our observations. Tours are also available for those interested in the history of the church. Scaffolding is currently encasing parts of the exterior as the church and the outbuildings are receiving massive restorations. "Our Lady" is the only Connolly church designated as a National Historic Site and people visit this church by the thousands.

We recommend this building to anyone who has a love for anything of beauty.

"Lord, who shall be admitted to your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?" (Psalm 15)

St. Patrick's Church - Kinkora, Ont. (1882)

St. Patrick's - Kinkora, ON

Today we visited a home to hope and well being. The stop this morning was St. Patrick's Church in Kinkora, a crossroads village located just 19 kilometers NW of Stratford, Ontario. Kinkora in Gaelic means "a place of beauty" and this spot is certainly that. The church is positioned perfectly on a East/West axis. The country setting is as peaceful and serene today as it must have been 125 years ago. Stopping at the crossroads, we wondered "have the hands of time stopped in this tiny hamlet"?

Construction for the church began in 1882 by 105 families for a cost of $30,000. Built by a community of mostly Irish immigrants, it is today a place of worship for many Dutch immigrants who arrived in the 1950s. Modelled after the great medieval Gothic cathedrals of Europe, the main framing consists of flying buttresses and oak rib vaulting.

The exterior is yellow line brick and the soldiering over the windows is European in style. Local lore tells of a possible German influence in the brick work and it is true this style of bricking is common in parts of Bruce County which was largely settled by German immigrants. Interestingly, Connolly was in Bruce County a mere 7 years earlier to design Immaculate Conception Church in Formosa, Ontario and perhaps noticed the distinctive brick work.

The single tower has been retained and repaired but the spire, once an astounding 200 ft in height, has been removed due to deterioration. Such a majestic spire would have been visible for miles and it's height would have rivalled the mighty towers of "Our Lady" in Guelph. A replica of the tower and spire appears on the miniaturized model located inside the church.

Beautiful stained glass appears throughout this church and especially a stunning rose window located at the rear of the church. Circular patterns repeat in varying combinations throughout the church - three, four, five six and the unending circle symbolizes eternity.

"The Winter Chapel" resides on the NE side of the church and may have been the place of worship while the original church was being constructed. Certainly it would have been used for services in the winter when the larger church was too difficult to heat. Like any Southern Ontario lot, the bush around Kinkora would have been cleared and burned for heat and winters would have been cold. Big old growth maples currently protect the property from the harsh winters on this rural crossroads. The winter chapel is still used today by the parish Priest to house his vestments and prepare for the days sermon.

Winter Chapel and Rectory - St. Patrick's

There is also a well constructed and beautifully maintained rectory on the property built from red clay brick with a slate roof. Father Paul, the current Parish Priest, wondered if Connolly designed this structure as well, but so far hasn't been able to verify this. Connolly also designed residences and other public buildings in his architectural practice.

There has recently been massive renovations to this church through the efforts of Restoration and Fundraising Committees and their work so far has included removal of the deteriorating spire and extensive restoration of the interior. The day we visited the entire property and grounds were immaculate and there was a man who set to the task of sweeping and readying the church for the morning mass.

The village itself is tiny but one gets the sense of true community that retains the friendliness of an era gone by. After mass there was a table set up with coffee and the entire attending congregation was out back, standing around, talking and exchanging pleasantries. There would be chores to do before and after church (cows don't milk themselves!) but for now it was church.

A home to hope and well being. There is a little treasure yet in the Emerald isle and St. Patrick's at Kinkora, this "place of beauty" captivates all who congregate here.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."(Matthew 6:21)

St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica - London, Ont. (1880)

   St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica - London, ON

The more one begins to think and write about 19th century churches, the more tempting it is to compare one to the other. It's a somewhat dangerous past-time - much like comparing the qualities of beloved children because each has her own unique features and what might be first perceived as weakness sometimes becomes the strong point. St. Peter's Basilica in London, home to the Bishop of the Diocese, presents such a case.

Driving into the heart of downtown London, it is difficult not to long for the pastoral setting presented by Kinkora or the Gothic giant of Our Lady towering over the city of Guelph. St. Peter's, by contrast, stands squarely in the urban mix of downtown London. We even had difficulty locating the church as surprisingly the towers were dwarfed by concrete condominiums and office buildings. The open fields of Kinkora have been replaced by busy downtown sidewalks, passing pedestrians, and impatient car horns that make up city life.

At first we were disappointed by this, but soon realized that St. Peter's provides the centre calm and sturdy steadfastness so often necessary in city life. City dwellers often seek out places of tranquility and calm amidst the urban chaos. This church is not silent and makes it's presence known in this busy downtown. The cathedrals house 12 bells, each named after one of the 12 apostles and were added in 1926 in celebration of the city's 100th jubilee. They ring each quarter hour. The great organ, purchased in 1926 for $23,000 and which has 59 stops and 3,869 pipes, drowned out the sounds of passing traffic and diesel buses.
This church really paid tribute to Connolly's design acoustics and when the introductory hymn was finished we turned to each other and said "that alone was worth the drive to London".

The Basilica values it's history. They have a wonderful website that provides a wealth of information and have produced a DVD  "St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica - The Journey" as well as a booklet "Celebrating 125 Years of the St. Peter's Basilica" which are available at the Basilica. While all this information is readily available, we'd like to take a moment to note our personal observations.

This Cathedral Basilica was named after the first Pope, St. Peter the gate keeper, and it has a very warm and inviting feel. The outside grounds are well kept and simple in design. We entered the back of the church via the main doors and into the massive Narthex. It has been changed over the years to accommodate the needs of the church but this is definitely a Joseph Connolly building. The outer doors were closed and the side entrances are intact on this church and their traffic empties itself through arches into the Narthex. There is a massive pool for a fount filled with holy water just inside the main doors and the word grandeur comes to mind. This very narrow room in between the outside doors and the main body of the church was used for baptism. The philosophy behind this was Baptisms should take place outside and you enter the church through Baptism.

This church is trimmed in Oak and it was the wood that caught our gaze immediately upon walking up the three steps that separate the Narthex and the main body of the church. The nave or center hallway is wide and the space rolls ahead waiting in anticipation of discovery. Oak Rib Vaulting encases the entire ceiling with a spectacular "web" over the Apse. The pillars are a very beautiful “Dusty Rose” and are colossal in diameter and height. The roof, spires, stone chimneys and stone exterior walls that are up on the clerestory are held up by the flying buttress framing and these pillars. An engineering marvel indeed. This same pillar and buttress design has been employed since the 13th century with great success for longevity.

The sun was in the west and the fact that it was shining in the side wall at 6 pm was a little odd. We tried to get our bearings and thought that this church isn’t sitting correctly. This is true and the reason is that the old church, the church of St. Lawrence, was sitting out back while this one was being constructed and it ran East/West. The Cathedral was built in such close proximity that the builders simply couldn’t place it differently. That explains the stain glass window on the right hand side (east) of the main entrance depicting Baptism. The sanctuary floor, altar and podium are made from marble.

The front wall has 7 arches that are filled in with plaster. There is a small doorway from the front wall into the sacristy. The materials for St. Peters were imported from all over the world - New York, Kentucky and Michigan but as far away as Austria. The pieces that make up the round window over the main doors were made in Austria, shipped to London Ontario, reassembled and installed. The windows located at the transepts are magnificent and the sun that was playing tag behind the clouds outside broke loose and shone its light through a saint in that window. We later learned that this window depicts the Apostles Creed. There is a light gold coloured scroll intertwining throughout the image which was made even more spectacular by the sun.

There are many interesting stories about the actual building of this church.  One includes the mason strike where the apse was in danger of incompletion only to be rescued by pulling a mason from retirement, and another the use of recycled brick from a demolished post office to complete the twin towers nearly 75 years after the church received its own start. The above description is merely a sliver of what was transferred into our hands.

St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica east - London, ON

Surely St. Peter's Basilica Cathedral has fulfilled her holy mandate first articulated at the dedication on June 28th, 1885 to stand as "an eloquent and enduring monument" to our Lord and to welcome all who enter her doors.

"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18)

The Journey Continues

We hope you enjoyed your time along with us as we traced these old paths. This experience wasn't entirely our doing but rather a flow of charity in our direction. We were helped, welcomed and appreciated wherever we went and that is the best way to spend any day. There is still so much to see and the road is full of riches along the way. Perhaps you may take your own journey and drive the old pioneer roads where trees create a multi-coloured umbrella overhead.

Thank you for walking an old path with us.

"Go in peace," the priest replied. "For the LORD is watching over your journey." (Judges 18:6)

Written by Maureen and Lorne

Photographs by Lorne

St. Peter's RC Church, Goderich, Ont. Sept. 19th, 2010 9 am Service

2010-09-19T18:08:00.023-04:00

St. Peter's Church Goderich Ontario

Queen Elizabeth II once commented that Goderich was "the prettiest town in Canada" and never one to disagree with the Queen, I willingly endorse the viewpoint. Goderich is located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron. It is a port town and the salt mines of "Sifto Canada Inc." use the harbour to load salt onto freight and ocean liners for export all over the world. The salt mine extends 5 kilometers under Lake Huron.

The picturesque downtown has a unique octagonal circle known as "The Square" that offers many shops and eating establishments. The day we arrived a Flea market was set up in the park in the middle of the central circle. The drive to Goderich was equally enjoyable - we partook of the many scenic delights offered by the Huron valley that we have spoken of so fondly many times in our journey.

We began our outing very early on Sunday morning - the first week of school busyness that shaped last week continued into this week and we only had time to finalize our plans by the end of the week and decide we would attend St. Peter's in Goderich. My friend knows Goderich very well - it is a favourite summertime swimming spot for his family and holds many happy summer memories - perhaps that even extend into his own child or young adulthood because this valley holds deep appeal for him and I'm not sure where that comes from. Maybe someday I, and you, will find that out. Nevertheless, Goderich was the destination of the day.

St. Peter's Parish serves the communities of Clinton, Goderich and Kingsbridge. Goderich offers the 9 am mass and Kingsbridge the 11 am. We aimed for the 9 am mass so were on the road very early indeed. After a beautiful drive through the valley where the first flush of fall is beginning, we arrived about 15 minutes before mass began. Just in time for a few photos but not enough time to study the building in any great detail. We did note the church is made of smooth limestone blocks, arched stain glass windows with a bell tower and steeple. The interior is modest but everything about this church is impeccably maintained - both inside and out. I didn't see one area that needed improvement or repair. Perhaps not built with great wealth, but surely with great love.

How do we show love? Sometimes by building grand and magnificant churches that call on the best of our skills and talents offered to God. Other times, by attending faithfully and carefully what we've been given. Much like the parishoners of St. Peter's care for their church - and their young parishoners. It was a delight to see the special care this congregation showered on the youngest of attendees in a way I haven't seen in other parishes I've visited. If a nation is defined by how it cares for it's poor, perhaps a parish is defined by how it celebrates it's children.

Yes, the best gifts can't be bought with wealth. The best gifts share who we are. Today I received one of the best gifts.
Miss M.

Hardy Mums

Of The Earth

Today was unique in a way, no rush, nary a plan and travel down fall scene roads. Good company topped the beautiful weather on this our 10th outing. Today's destination was not a Joseph Connolly piece however it does have its own merit. The church we were after today is St. Peter's Church in Goderich. Located at the top of the bluff on the most northern tip of this quaint lakeside town of 8000.The church is quite large and is made of limestone with a single bell tower. We arrived 15 minutes early, just in time to take a few photos and get a seat before mass started.

The service was brought to us by a priest who was visiting the area and has a brother that has a cottage in Bayfield. He spoke of tolerance this am and the sermon sat heavy upon me as I squirmed in my pew. I couldn't help but look at the refinished pews and the miles of Oak that makes up just the seats alone in this spacious building. The Tabernacle and wall right at the front of this church had "twist” turnings and were fantastic to look at and distract the mind.

After mass we walked to the edge of the bluff and tried to get a glimpse of the lake. We traveled by car down the hill to the wharfs and salt mine. There was only a single lake freighter in getting filled. We encircled the bottom of Goderich's water front and stopped at the far south end. This being two years that we have been playing marbles together my friend Maureen and I exchanged gifts that we had made each other (according to the rules)and we both love our gifts.

The drive home was alone worth the trip. The tip of "our" valley starts at the lake and meanders south to Lake Erie. I have often wondered if it carries on south of Erie in the States and thought it would be cool to discover. We crested a hill and descended to Ben Miller and the view that this valley affords is breathtaking and it is only mid September. In the next few short weeks the change into full autumn will come and turn the hardwood lots into an spectacle. Seriously consider packing a car for the day, ensure you have clean car windows and a camera and go. Enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer you for free.

As we headed South through gorgeous country side listening to great music, talking and enjoying good company the week's problems were forgotten about. Much like countless before us, we came the back way down a winding dirt road into a quiet little hamlet called Kinkora . We looked at the church and her surroundings and noted the parking lots were all full. Latin Mass was just under way at noon and the sun was warm on a beautiful fall day. I turned the car south again and headed home.

By writing of this day I can only hope you enjoyed your time along with me as I traced today's steps. I do hope you take your own trip as the leaves turn. Drive the old pioneer rows where trees planted at the side of the road create a multi coloured umbrella over you. Walk a nature's path that is close to your house or heart, enjoy your time. Thank you for walking with me on this old path.

Lorne

St Agatha RC Church, St. Agatha, Ont. Sept. 12, 2010 11 am Service

2010-09-12T20:24:00.013-04:00

I lost my keys this morning. It was a chaotic end to a chaotic week. The first week of school seems to bring with it a heightened busyness everywhere you go and my workplace is no exception. Many families are establishing new routines or reverting to old ones and muscles that haven't been used in awhile are creaking and groaning in protest. So I couldn't find my keys, something that rarely happens to me, on the way out the door to visit St. Agatha Church in St. Agatha Ontario. The topper was I miscommunicated with my friend about our plans so I would be attending this church alone. But after the work week frenzy I looked forward to the quiet and serenity any church provides.

It was a grey morning with a light fog but even so I could see the steeple to St. Agatha Church about a mile down the road. It has been replaced within the last decade through donations not only from local parishioners but from the wider community as well who valued this church as a local landmark. The church sits at the country crossroads of Erbsville Road and Notre Dame Dr about 15 minutes from the city of Waterloo or 11 km NW of Kitchener. The original parish dates to 1857 and St. Agatha Church was built probably built about 30 years later to serve a growing farming community. While not a true Gothic church, it has a central tower and Gothic shaped arched windows. The brick at the entrance way is a slightly deeper colour than elsewhere and looks replaced, most likely when the tower was rebuilt.

Suggesting it's rural connections, it has a field stone foundation like many of the farm houses in the area and a simple metal cross sits atop the steeple. The interior feels much like the church in nearby New Hamburg - they almost feel like sister churches and if I lived close by I would have a difficult time choosing between the two. Where that church made use of shades of fresh greens for the smooth walls, this church uses shades of amber and yellow - very warm colours that suggest the change in seasons. There was a pumpkin display across the street that I was tempted to take a picture of when photographing this church. The stain glass windows follow one after the other down the side walls of the church and each has a multi-coloured geometric design on the lower half and the symbol of one of the 12 apostles on the upper portion. The congregation was young and plentiful and it was a pleasure to see so many families gathered on a fall morning. Somewhat surprisingly, there were several members of the choir and their voices were confident and joyous this morning. I notice that 4 people are listed on the bulletin as directors of the choir and it is evident that this parish puts an effort into the musical portion of the service and what a delight for those listening.

We had the pleasure of watching a baptism which made for a shorter homily. The reading was one of my favourites - the story of the lost sheep...and I thought again about my lost keys. Sometimes we loose silly things like keys or glasses and sometimes we lose friendships or children, ourselves, or our way. Faith reminds us that the Good Shepherd is always there to lead us back home.

Oh, and my keys? I found them when I got home.
Miss M.

Raglan Road

This entry is a full day late in the writing of and I have lost sleep over it. I woke in the night a few times wondering if it was time to rise having had bylines and different parts of yesterday's events framed for this page. ....This morning I have nothing.

I awoke early Sunday and quietly got under way. I had time to enjoy my own company and decided that before I met my friend at St. Agatha I would drive through and photograph the valley that I adore so much .Leaving Stratford I went off the main highway and drove smaller secondary roads meandering in a SE direction. I drove at a slow pace taking in and cataloging what I saw along the way. The hardwood lots are going to turn very soon, giving up this years leaves and that event alone is worth watching and photographing. The big valleys in Southern Ontario are visually explosive in the fall when Nature decides to put on her autumn colours. Before long I was driving along the Huron tract and stopped again at Pinehill, parked and photographed the view. The sun hadn't made a full recovery from overcast and rain filled skies that had been in the area for days. Early morning fog was still hanging on and affected the light and photos. I plan to return and retake these shots during the fall and make sure there is sun on that day. I would highly recommend a trip along the roads that run beside the Huron Tract in the bigger centers where the pioneer planted trees that encroach the road are turning colours.

The slow pace is what I was after and had left my cell off for that very reason . As my friend was trying to get in touch with me I was seeing and capturing this gorgeous view. I turned to the south on Pinehill road and drove through the countryside with a certain lead going off in my head every once in awhile. This particular stanza wasn't one of the countless Knopfler guitar leads but rather a very sweet Irish fiddle lead that is in an amazing effort by Knopfler and Donal Lunny.This video and haunting melody have been forefront in my mind for a day or two and I don't mind a bit! Raglan Road is a story about impossible love and will stir something even in the coldest of hearts. Good luck with your new addiction!

I came to a cross roads and took a left, changed my heading and soon found myself at the top of another valley. This one is New Dundee Ontario and I cruised slowly into town . It being quite early on a Sunday am the vehicular traffic was negligible and the only pedestrian was a man wearing his Sunday best complete with umbrella walking happily up the road towards the church that is almost atop this hill. The man very graciously acknowledged my passing with a nod of his head and a curt flick of his wrist , using his umbrella as a walking and greeting stick. I stopped the car and introduced myself to none other than Graham Burkhart the current Pastor of Bethel Evangelical Church which we were standing in front of. I explained to Graham about my journey and fascination about a certain valley. He chimed in agreement over its beauty and suggested a few vantage points for photography. We spoke briefly of St. Agatha and both the Amish and Mennonite history in the region. I thanked him and left feeling wiser than when I came.

I turned North in New Dundee and headed for St. Agatha , soaking up this early morning drive on a foggy Autumn day. I stopped the car well before the town of St. Agatha to photograph a scene. The steeple of the Catholic church which was my destination could be seen from a great distance away and lent itself to a great photo op. When I stopped at the side of the road I used the car door for support to steady my hands and shot the scene. Turning I seen a great secondary scene and photographed it as well. An old GMC pickup that is still working out in front of a garage in tall weeds didn't have to ask to be photographed! I travelled on into town and parked the car in order to get more photographs.

I photographed St. Agatha church and waited for my companion to arrive. Unlike any other time in our journey's history we didn't connect and it was all because of a slight miscommunication. So with a full camera card I departed St. Agatha Ontario for home and vowed to retake the photos when it was sunny. I got up this am and did just that. I have posted the new photos.
Lorne

Christ the King Church/St. Patrick's Church/James Street Baptist Church - Hamilton, Ont. AND a Return Visit to Our Lady in Guelph, Ont. - Sept. 5/10

2010-09-05T19:44:00.049-04:00

Christ The King Church Hamilton Ont.

Today the city of Hamilton was on the agenda. We planned to be busy - squeezing in visits to Christ the King Cathedral, the home to the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, as well as visits to two Joseph Connolly designed churches, St. Patrick's and the James Street Baptist Church which has the distinction of being the only church designed by Connolly for a non-Catholic patron. We rounded out the day by spontaneously attending a tour of "Our Lady" in Guelph on the way home. Four churches in 6 hours - certainly a record for us and I admit my mind is spinning!

I struggled on how to summarize my experience at the 3 churches in Hamilton. I had never been to Hamilton, and maybe it is really here I need to begin. Hamilton, it seems to me, is a city of contrasts. Image and reality. Rich and poor. Concrete and trees. Water and mountainous stone. I had always pictured Hamilton in my mind much like the "steel capital of Canada" suggests - densely populated, industrialized, with pollution producing manufacturing industries. I wasn't prepared for the stunning vista when driving into the city - the cool blues of Lake Ontario on one side with the deep greens of the trees rising out of the mountain on the other and the city streetscape situated between. I simply wasn't prepared for the beauty of the city's natural location. My friend and I talked about Hamilton and we realized that while it is true steel has played a very important role in the history and development of this city, there is much more to Hamilton than it's nickname suggests. They have a university (McMaster) and college (Mohawk) and a world-renowned teaching hospital, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Dundurn Castle and the highly regarded national newspaper "The Globe and Mail". Industry, yes. But also health sciences and education and the arts and history and a beautiful natural setting that can truly rival any city in Canada.

Where do the churches fit into all of this? There again, by way of contrasts. While they all share the Gothic revival style, almost there the similarities end. Christ the King Cathedral is situated on the beautiful mountain entering the city and where Bishop John McNally announced in 1931 "We will have the finest church in Canada". It dominates the western entrance to the city. St. Patrick's Church, once home to the Bishop before the building of Christ the King, is in the heart of the very urban, almost gritty, downtown core at one time the east end of Hamilton. We were startled to see bars on business windows and locking mechanisms on car steering wheels. James Street Baptist church is located only a few blocks away in the same neighbourhood.

Christ the King has smooth limestone on it's walls from Indiana and the Ontario Credit Valley and, as the description in the church bulletin says "it is stately, solid and serene". St. Patrick's and James Street Baptist basic building material is rough hammered dressed stone with finished stone reserved for around windows and doors only. Smooth and rough.

But why focus on contrasts - perhaps it is better to think about similarities. If seating Catholics and Baptists at the same table, it is always more useful to concentrate on what brings us together, not what separates us. We didn't have a chance to visit the interior of James Street Baptists. However, the interiors of Christ the King and St Patrick's share many common features. The central nave, the flanking isles, the Gothic arches, the stained glass, the massive supporting pillars to name a few. But more than this - they both provide inspiration and consolation in the serenity of their walls.

Christ the King because it beacons the wonderment and light of our faith from it's position on the mount. St. Patrick's because it stands it's ground in the very toughest part of the city. It reaches into the deepest and blackest part of the night and lights a candle. Yes, maybe they aren't so different after all.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Miss M.

Choosing Battles and Soup Lines

Plans of travelling to Hamilton and attending two Joseph Connolly creations were expanded to include a total of no less than four churches. I walked away from my house today at 4 am to pick up my wheels for the day. I had went to bed at midnight, fell asleep fairly easily and then woke on the hour for 4 hours finally giving up on a night’s rest at 0400. The early morning autumn air felt good and I was perused by only one passing police cruiser on my brisk walk. I loaded my cooler and clothes and left for the day a little before 5 am. With a little more than one half hour of driving ahead to pick up my travelling companion my only concern was that I had to come up with some way to ditch 1.5 hours.

Joseph Connolly, an Irish born Architect was a prominent figure in the business of church building in the 1800's. He was proliferate, having either constructed or refurbished over 40 churches in North America. His life's work is the backdrop of this journey. I have since a child growing up in Southern Ontario, always admired from afar mind you, the big Gothic church that can be seen from the 403 as it winds through Hamilton Ontario. This building is something out of a book and for the onlooker it has a magical quality that has to be felt to be appreciated. I convinced my friend and travelling companion to join me on a journey to see , discover and photograph these buildings. Before Hamilton we had attended eight churches of which four were Connolly creations including a Cathedral. To be a true Cathedral, a church or basilica must also be the seat of the Bishop and St. Peter's Basicala in London is just that. The trip today has been planned and delayed for awhile. The travelling to Hamilton and Toronto in order to see a Gothic building is time consuming and we thought it would be better to take in two churches in Hamilton in the same morning. That would leave leisurely travel time on the return trip.

For over forty years I have been awe struck by buildings and the way they are impactive on us. As a small boy I remember attending the post office in downtown Brantford with my father and seeing the banker drawer oak walls, seas of green Terrazzo flooring and massive Ash window frames. The "green leak" that is telltale copper flashing onto stone or limestone that is oozing it's liquid core down the side of a building has always caught my eye. The "green leak " can be seen in any gorge where rock and water live in close proximity. My favourite source of this natural occurrence is on Government buildings that are made of Quarry slab and are perfectly square and stately. These buildings garner respect and give off the feeling of being grounded and are a haven to the eye. The church that is atop the Hamilton Mountain is no exception. The Niagara Escarpment makes up her bed, her position is serene to us and obsequious towards the heavens. Her mandate, like all churches is clear and she fulfills this willingly. The building of course is Christ The King Cathedral in Hamilton Ontario.

I ventured out of Stratford towards Kitchener much too early in anticipation of the day. I either wake entirely too early or much too late to do anything productive so at a little before 5 am I was happily driving eastbound in a borrowed car to pick my friend up. After swapping cars we got under way and travelled to Hamilton down highway 6, an old Ontario road that links more than a dozen small towns in Southern Ontario. It was most likely the same path that our mentor for this adventure took . Connolly built churches in Hamilton and Our Lady in Guelph and either took the train or travelled this or another similar road to his destination. He was the architect who designed St. Patrick's in Hamilton. In 1875 the Baptists in the Hamilton area approached him saying that he being an Irish Catholic didn't bother them and they would like very much for him to design a church for them. Connolly obliged them and designed James Street Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist Church in Ontario. As we neared Hamilton my friend reiterated that the images of St. Patrick’s were not all that impressive, that the uppermost portion of her steeple was missing. I couldn't understand how a church as magnificent as the one that looked upon me every summer as we drove home from vacation and countless times as an adult I drove under her on the 403 was left to ruin. We came in from the west and as we crested yet another valley I noticed St. Patrick's in all her Gothic splendor. I circled in and drove the one way streets to navigate closer to her. I found the driveway tucked away on the side street off King St. and approached from the east. There she was, partly shaded with the early sun on her top most bell house. This church didn't have steeples so my friend was wrong ...or was she? I drove up to the church and read her placard. Christ The King Cathedral. Hmm that isn't right. What is going on here? I was wrong! All this time I had been telling people that an Irishman named Joseph Connolly had built St. Patrick's in Hamilton and it was a Cathedral ( all true ) . I also told them that this building at the top of the mountain was in fact St. Patrick's ( not true at all). The Cathedral or Bishop's seat was moved a few times in the Hamilton Diocese and whenever that happened a new Cathedral was born and the old one became a church. I felt as stupid as I had been, not doing the research on this. My friend brushed it off and told me that she was celebrating mass here because it was the Cathedral of her Diocese . So we had to fly here if we were going to photograph St. Patrick's and James Street Baptist and then return here for mass. We quickly left after photographing this magnificent structure and running down the driveway to the bottom of the mountain with a camera in my hand I was perused by only 2 police cruisers.

Christ The King east wall early am sun

Christ The King Church Hamilton Ontario

The drive to St. Patrick's was uneventful through early Sunday am downtown Hamilton and we entered the way of the rear driveway. The Irish builder jumped at me as soon as I laid eyes on the building. The front of this old building is surrounded by pavement and there is a basketball hoop within 12 feet of the head.
The building is not true on a east/west axis but walking around to the rear of the church I could see images of Limerick Ireland before my eyes. Connolly took this one from home. This building is in incredibly good shape for the age and level of maintenance. There was scaffolding erected on the back wall of the church and pails from Mason's were upside down on the planking. I could see telltale signs of very industrious renovations going on and felt a pang of guilt for not helping. The heavy short main door in the very thin but wide Narthex was closed and locked and this made me swivel my head to see where I was. Connolly put this church up on the East end of Hamilton for Irish parishioners that worked in the iron mills on lake Ontario. It would have been new and fresh perhaps even "Kinkora" in nature. There is a valley and mountains in a bay on a lake named Ontario. You can drink the water from the streams and eat the fish from the lake. It is 1877 and this building has just been completed. The Bishop of the Diocese has his seat here and the industrial age is about to hit any day now. Thirty five miles to the southwest a Scottish immigrant to Canada by the name of Bell has invented something quite unique. He is in Tutela Heights , a small hamlet burg of Brantford and his telephone is going to bring changes they say.

Front of St. Patrick's Hamilton Ontario

Rear Of St. Patrick's Church Hamilton

After photographing the exterior of St. Patrick's we decided to at least see James Street Baptist. I drove over quickly, the distance not being a factor more-so the configuration of one way streets being difficult for new users. James Street Baptist Church is situated right across from the Family Y which still lets rooms by the look of the male transient traffic. I instinctively took stock of my surroundings once again and started to photograph this building. Having a shiny camera in my hands and being distracted by the threat of theft and oncoming traffic was a determining factor in the quality and number of photographs.

James Street Streetscape

There were 3 structures in very close proximity that I would have liked to investigate. James Street Baptist Church which is a true Connolly right down to the ornate stone work and cinquefoils with stained glass, St, Paul's Presbyterian Church which is right beside the Baptist church and had spires that were incredible and rounding out this block, the very top to a skyscraper that someone had put a crown of sorts upon. The Baptist Church is steady in between hydro transformers, a smaller 1960 Ontario service style building and the corner. After photographing this church we decided to return once again to St. Patrick's to discover more and possibly photograph the interior.

St. Patrick's Church had her doors open upon our return and entering we felt at home. This church is truly a 13th century neo Gothic style church. Massive pillars hold up flying buttresses in this small church. The front of the church has a beautiful "Rose" window and a multitude of small stained "rosettes" in cinquefoils in the clerestory.

St. Patrick's Church Hamilton Ont.

If you look up Limerick Ireland images the sides of this building will be displayed. Joseph Connoly took this building's design right from his birthplace and childhood and transformed it here for the day's mostly Irish congregates. We photographed silently and then sat in different pews absorbing in our own style what we wanted from this beautiful building. The elderly crowd that was gathering acknowledged us and bade us well. There was a pair of gentlemen that sat in the most rearward bench, both leaning on canes , dressed in grey flannel suit coats and hats. They looked at home here and nodded in agreement on both our arrival and departure. We left feeling a little overwhelmed by the volume of information we had received thus far in the day.

We had to return to Christ The King Cathedral for mass and doing so we met some very nice people. Upon arrival I parked and then realized I had parked badly. This church parking lot was going to get extremely busy after mass and we would be stuck if I didn't turn the car around. I backed into a spot and then realized I had interrupted a lady trying to do the same maneuver. We met Angela who was going to do choir work and we informed her of our journey. She immediately told us that we should meet the church's webmaster Mike Perron which she hailed from his greeting duties. We met Mike who very cordially told us of the church's history and invited us to enjoy our stay. He and his family have been coming to this church for 12 years and travel every Sunday from neighboring Brantford. As you walk in the rear side doors the size of this building is what really grabs you. You feel instantly safe and humbled all at once. This church is true Gothic with stantions and buttress standing on columns that go into the earth some unknown distance. She is 235 feet long and 72 feet wide and this church, built in only 2 years used steel in her framing. With the introduction of steel in construction the Architects could push previous parameters aside to allow for bigger, wider and stronger buildings.

From the choir interior Christ The King

Her massive ceilings are a maze of framing and plaster. The columns come out of the mountain and push towards the heavens and hold up not only the roof but also full stone block walls in the clerestory! The arches are an amazing tribute to builders of the past and looking at the expansive ceiling I envisioned this church being able to float in water if turned over on its roof. The ribbing is superior to the finest of all wooden sailing ships for strength durability and grandeur. The windows in the clerestory are exquisite and go on seemingly forever. The Apse and Sanctuary is made from beautiful marble. The church's website states the Stations of the Cross were carved from a single piece of marble and is of the same material that Michelangelo worked from.

This building was dedicated in 1933 a very short two years after her inception. At an original cost of one million dollars it took an army of workers to complete her. The start of construction was just two years into the depression and with soup lines forming everywhere in North America , this venture was a bold one indeed. The major work force in Hamilton in 1931 was in fact the huge influx of Italian immigrants that came in 1910 to 1914. Neither before nor after this was the number of Italians landing on our shores as high in such a short period of time. These immigrants felt that they may be able to garner special attention from the Bishop if they built him a church of great stature. There was very little employment in the country and inflation ruled the economy. In between wars the nation was truly in a dark period and the Bishop of the day was building a church that would be unrivaled in Canada. This act of faith alone would have produced more of the same and inspiration in troubled times. The largest bell in the bell house "The Bourdon" was donated by the Prime Minister of Canada.

The Church's Rector Rev. Edward House a Cape Bretoner by birth gave a very memorable sermon and has a likable approach to the gospel. He spoke of choosing battles that are winnable and the negotiating the terms of peace in the event of a loss. After mass I introduced myself to the church's organist and asked if I could attend the balcony. The organ with its massive pipes is housed up there and the view is incredible. Looking to the back you can see the "Rose" window and to the front you can see the altar with a special view. The clerestory is quite visible from the choir stands and the attention to detail in the original build is apparent. The construction of this massive structure in just two years is an amazing feat. We left the church after mass had ended and photographed the exterior. We met a fellow by the name of Mike Marion who was a fountain of knowledge not only about the church and her beginnings, but also the town’s economic and genealogical history. Upon leaning on the cement railing at the rear of the church I could not see the highway and could barely hear the din of traffic. The grounds are an amazing effort and survive surrounded by a concrete jungle. We left the grounds feeling refreshed and entered traffic for the return trip home.

I headed back to the north and kept to old Ontario roads in order to keep urban sprawl at bay. I drove for almost an hour before I felt an inspiration. I had seen a mile marker for Guelph and thought it would be nice to revisit Our Lady. Upon our arrival in the parking lot of Our Lady we discovered a sign that portrayed “Church Tours 1 to 3 pm.” Talking it out we decided to attend and are glad we did.We decided to eat at a local picnic area and after a trek through a park found shelter from the high wind and cold of the early fall day in a river bank pocket. The water was swift where we camped with a blanket strewn over an fallen tree that had invited us to sit. Good food and conversation only added to this fairly private idyllic setting on a very nice fall day.This part of the day was one of the most memorable for me and I felt compelled to write about it.

We were part the first party and the church tour were broken up into 3 distinct parts with 5 guides telling their share of the history. These people were amazing and very knowledgeable. We learned what most of the stained glass windows depicted and that the windows were in fact poor folk's bibles. At the very front of the church we met Angela who was an oratorical delight and Gordon Leopold who possessed a very large wealth of information about the church. My ignorance about what the purpose of the chapels in the Sacristy was erased and I looked upon the open rear doors once again as I had during my first visit to see the town center idly going about its early autumn Sunday afternoon.

The introduction of the industrial age upon the glacially forged province of Ontario was the turning point of man's hold on the world. Epic changes from farming to an industrial community were worldwide. The use of steel versus wood in construction brought in a new era. Gothic churches are a product of an era gone by and sadly will not be built again. The steel furnaces and smelters in Hamilton Ontario are the city's earning power and the big church on top of Hamilton Mountain a testament of faith. Christ The King is not a Joseph Connolly creation, however shares his love of the Gothic Church in her stone work and lines. At the core of the church is the heart of an ever watchful God, intent on our well being.

Lorne

Church of the Sacred Heart, Mildmay, Ont. and Immaculate Conception Church Formosa, Ont. Aug. 29, 2010

2010-08-29T18:56:00.048-04:00

Immaculate Conception Church Formosa Ontario

Interior Immaculate Conception Church Formosa Ontario

Today we ventured north west into Bruce County and visited 2 churches - one a Joseph Connolly creation and one a personal journey. I'll begin with the latter first.

Sacred Heart Church, Mildmay Ontario

We began our journey very early on a warm and sunny August morning by travelling North on highway 86, north west on highway 7 and continued north west on highway 9 to arrive at Mildmay, Ontario. Pardon the emphasis on nautical direction, but my companion loves the beauty of North-South-East-West and it begins to rub off on one a little bit. This morning was a bit of a journey into my own history as we visited the church my parents were married in more than 50 years ago and where 40 years ago I was flower girl at my aunt and uncle's wedding and where less than 6 months ago I attended her funeral mass.

As always, we were welcomed in this church, this time by Father W. Terence Sehl who spent at least 20 minutes with us before mass began sharing with us Church history . The cornerstone for Sacred Heart was laid on July 23, 1912 and next summer the church celebrates it's 100th anniversary. He told us about the church website and seemed genuinely enthused about our church project. We also studied a photo taken in the early 50's of the altar before the redecoration in 1969 due to fire and smoke damage. I plan to look through my parent's photos to see if I can find any other views although I know photography tended to be discouraged during ceremonies in those days (I truly was born during the wrong era!). While not a Connolly church, it shares the Gothic style so close to Connolly's heart and is perhaps one of the last churches built of this style as World War I loomed and energies and manpower were focused elsewhere. The post-war world had moved beyond these Gothic style churches and the design style of churches built during the twenties and thirties have a decidedly modern and angular influence.

As we pulled away from Milday and pointed the car towards Formosa, I thought again about North-South-East and West. The roads that bring us home and the roads that take us on new journeys. What provides the compass is the bedrock itself.

Immaculate Conception Church, Formosa, Ontario 11:00 am service

The farming community of the tiny hamlet of Formosa built their own bedrock of faith out of the handcut limestone from local rock as well as sandstone laboriously shipped by train to Mildmay and then carted by horse to the top-most peak of the valley. Father Stephen LaCroix shared this and other interesting stories about Immaculate Conception Church. The foundation for this Joseph Connolly designed church was laid in 1875 - several years earlier than "Our Lady" in Guelph or "St. Peter's Basillica" in London. Perhaps Connolly landed his commission in those cities based on his work here. Designed by Connolly, it was built as funds allowed by the hands of the largely German immigrant farming population. The shell wasn't completed until 1880 and it is this date that appears over the doorway. At this time the old wooden church underneath was dismantled but the interior itself wasn't completed until 1885, a full 5 years later. We learn much from these early settlers whose approach was methodical, focused, measured, and sustained. Much like the rock itself.

He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock." - Luke 6:48

I'm sure those early farmers had many moments when storms beat vehemently against their doors - but their church? Their church they built on the "ever-fixed mark" and still it stands today.
Miss M.

Origins

Bird's Eye view of Formosa
Rev. Gaspar Matoga , a Jesuit missionary, visited the area in January 1853, on one of many trips to minister to the new settlements of the region. Upon seeing the valley in which the present day hamlet is situated, he described it as 'formosa', the Latin word for beautiful.

This day started much like any other for me, I woke a little after 05 00 and jumped in the shower. As the hot water and soap cleared the cobwebs, I went over the running list in my head for today. We were travelling North today to the heart of the German settler region of Bruce County and to the town of Formosa. I quickly packed a cooler and clothes for the day. I had set things out the night before in case I slept in. My camera,batteries, Ipod and cell phone, wallet, keys and lets go …..

I left in the dark and felt like I was sneaking out. I left my little family safe in their beds, locked the house and sat in the car without starting it. I always warm my car for a minimum length of time but this am I turned the key until it caught and pulled it into drive. I "choke" drove down my street as the car warmed up. I had choices this am and time was my friend sitting in the big car with me. I am quite often asked why I drive big cars and trucks and this morning I led by example quietly enjoying my drive in overstuffed seats in an eighteen year old vehicle that is perhaps a little loose in her stays. As I travelled past a local inn there was a photo op that presented itself in the front parking lot. There were 2 cars from the past parked and in very nice shape indeed. There was a red and white 1955 Chevrolet parked alongside a 1964 Chevrolet and the 55 had a look of longing for the road parked in the last spot before the driveway. The fog on the river only lent to this scene.

Leaving Stratford eastbound I bought a coffee at Tim‘s, and as the aroma of breakfast encompassed my Roadmaster from the drive thru window I wondered if my travelling companion was awake yet. I left town and since I was alone on the highway I could relax behind the wheel. I put her in the middle of the road and rolled it on until I reached cruising altitude where I very gently came off the throttle. As a self described practicing Catholic I don’t feel at liberty to tell how fast that is.

What I can tell you is that I have a fascination for a certain valley. This particular valley runs from Kincardine on Lake Huron down to Long Point on Lake Erie. It holds scenic riches all along the path that await discovery and this am was no exception. I approached New Hamburg from the west and the pea soup fog was set hard in the fields tempting the big red morning sun to come after it. I stopped the car to photograph the glorious sunrise and had to run across Highway 7 to capture Our Holy Family’s steeple standing above and clear of this morning’s foggy blanket.

Steeple of Our Holy Family Church New Hamburg Ontario Aug 29 2010 am

As I approached my coauthor and drive behind this expedition‘s house I phoned her and was relieved to hear her voice answer the phone. I was in fact almost 2 hours ahead of time. I offered to buy her a coffee and that would give her precious extra moments to get ready for the day. We loaded her car and set off for the 2 plus hour drive from Kitchener to Formosa Ontario situated in South Bruce County. The geography of the land visibly changes and as we travelled north we took in as much as we could driving through the rolling landscape.

We stopped in Mildmay Ontario, which is quintessential small town Southern Ontario;and located the Sacred Heart Church . Upon entering this church we met three very warm and friendly people who we introduced ourselves to. One of the three was Father Terry Sehl, the parish priest and advocate for this very nice church. He informed us of upcoming open houses involving churches in the Bruce County area and of Sacred Heart’s history including a fire in the Sacristy and the weight (900 lbs and 1800 lbs ) of the two bells in the bell tower. The tower and other parts on this church have met their misfortune by tornadoes and handymen and Father Terry is fervently working on a solution and repair to her ailments. We regretfully couldn’t spend any more time in his company and continued on our path. I think that attending mass here at a later date is a very good and reasonable idea. Thank you Father Sehl!

My companion told me of her ancestral roots here in Mildmay and Formosa and their relationship with her family. Looking at the landscape the pioneers would have a tough life and worked hard for their farms and family. The land would yield whatever it had been granted and the back breaking labour would have paid off handsomely. Faith and church are the backbone of any settler’s life and in this area they happened to be German of the Catholic doctrine.

Approaching Formosa from the south we entered a four sided valley or bowl with a river winding across the bottom of it.The Immaculate Conception Church can be seen for miles thanks to her steeple. The drive through the village of Formosa was quiet and we looked upon the brewery which has been in operation since 1870. The church is located atop the northeast hill of this beautiful valley. The music that was coming from my Ipod and that was being amplified by the car’s sound system was inadvertently the very same as our visit to St, Peter’s in London. As we pulled into the parking lot in the very same manner as in Guelph we could hear Knopfler’s Baloney Again with the very same lead. My companion and I noted the similarities and the location in the song when we parked.

Pulling in we parked right out back, got out and stretched,grabbed our cameras and walked around photographing this big building. This church was built in a decade without the help of contractors in the typical sense. Joseph Connolly designed it and then local parishioners who would be mostly German immigrants built it. They built around and over the original wooden church and must have used that structure for scaffolding for the new build. After the main church was completed the old wooden building was taken down and removed. The winter chapel was built after on the same property and was used in winter when it was impossible to heat the big church.
The stone is 90 % “Formosa Reef” a term applied to the rough, porous, locally abundant and cheap stone. The smoother limestone was brought by train from Guelph and then by wagon over to the church site. This smoother and most likely expensive stone was used only for a small portion of the church’s construction including the first few rows of the foundation, trim and pointing of detail(soldiering). The Sacristy, Chapels and tower appear to be part and parcel of the original build and her huge bells were from the old wooden church. Their size alone shows that the wooden church would have been a modest size herself.

Entering the church the first thing I noticed was the width or appearance of width that the nave had. The light paint amplified the little amount of light streaming in through the windows. We walked up to the crossing and watched as a summer morning sunbeam lit a window in the front of the church and came to rest on a pew first behind the crossing. The spot on the pew was inviting but I resisted, instead I admired the sun’s work for a moment and then photographed the rest of the church. This church was built by poor farmers and built well. In 1880 a larger percentage of men than today were skilled in other trades other than working their farms. You built your own house or went without in the 1800’s rural Ontario and these very skills were used in erecting this church. Immaculate Conception Church was designed by Joseph Connolly and built in the gothic revival style that he has attached his name to so many times before and after this church. The pillars are of a plaster and masonry , are structural and have been painted in a yellow paint and Indian ink mixture or of something similar in an attempt to portray wood grain. The original plaster work is an amazing testament to the original builders and the flying buttress and pillar is of a different style here. Our Lady in Guelph is much wider and has a clerestory to hang in mid air problem that needed to be addressed. This building has a common roof and the walls are made of square blocks of stone! The peaked roof is simply placed atop the walls making it simpler, squatter and stronger than the flying buttress style. This design was largely due to the fact that there was a church inside the church to work around and her construction was paced by available funds.

In previous entries I have typically went into detail about the structural components and not about the day or the service but today’s sermon changed that for at least this entry. I have tried to live my life as the sermon of today preached. Today’s sermon was told by Father Stephen LaCroix , who charged us with acting responsibly and to help our fellow man , to find solace in the humble stance.

“For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

This gospel hit home as I looked around this church knowing that it was put up by faithful parishioners who were just poor farming folk determined to make a life for themselves in this rural outpost.
After the mass ended we met with Fr.Stephen LaCroix, CSB, Pastor who was informative and genuinely interested in our journey. The anniversary of the church is upcoming and the work of the church is never done. We stood on the rear steps of the church and overlooking the valley I could see standing on this hill today why Matoga said “Formosa” meaning beautiful 157 years ago.

Leaving town we drove in silence for a few moments until bearings were needed. We returned to Mildmay looking for an open bakery or store to buy bread goods and my eye for detail spied something of great detail! I immediately mounted the curb and jumped from the car in my excitement. There in a driveway at the side of the road was a very clean and very straight 1965 327 black 2 door Caprice! I walked back towards the car and shook the owner Dave’s hand as he was just getting in a 55 red and white Chevy to return it to storage. I told him that I stopped to see the black car and not him ..…he understood completely being an old Chevy man. He invited me to look at her while parked his 55 , the same 55 he had went to Stratford and attended a wedding with the day before. I told him that I seen his 55 this am and they way she was parked at the river inn beside a 64 Chevy. He told me that the 64 was his brother’s…so 2 Chevy men in the same family ! The same red and white 55 that had that longing for the road look to her. Well she got her wish and she and Dave plied the roads on a gorgeous summer’s morn slightly after my own journey.

The lord is my shepherd
He leadeth me in pastures green
He gave us this day
Our daily bread and gasoline
Go under the willow
Park her up beside the stream

On our return trip we picnicked in a river side park in Drayton and ate fresh fruit and bread, while sitting on a blanket beside a stream under a willow enjoying good company. I learned a little more of who I am today and grew as a soul. I would like to tell of my appreciation of thoughts and beliefs of an era gone by. I have adapted to and share some of the ideas and things from the past. The belief of building it too big and too strong so as you don’t have to worry about it that was applied to building churches , houses and modes of transportation.Sadly, the word craftsman brings to mind an ideal that is since gone. In today’s world it is easy to lose track of who we are. Gothic churches, old wood, fat Labradors and even fatter Chevys from the past bring me back to the humblest chair at the table and to my origins.

Lorne

Holy Family Church, New Hamburg August 22, 2010

2010-08-22T15:01:00.032-04:00

What is in a name?

Today we attended Holy Family Church located in New Hamburg, a very picturesque small town (population 8739) located on the Nith River and nestled in the Huron valley tract. Dedicated in 1882, it fits our criteria of a 19th century church but is admittably not designed by our mentor Joseph Connolly. Time was against us today and we didn't have the leisure necessary for a Connolly expedition so we set our sights on New Hamburg, an easy distance for us both. While not on our list of Connolly churches, I'm glad we had the chance to attend this church.

Holy Family presents a quiet demeanor - her brickwork not ornate but solidly done and with foundations excavated by hand in 1882, most likely by the original 60 Catholic families of the parish. Today Holy Family is home to 275 Catholic families. Inside there is no marble, no gold embellishment, no mosaic tiles, no ornately carved woodwork or statuary. Her lines are smooth, modest, uncomplicated and serene. The stain glass windows are beautiful, especially the window above the main doors with the name "Holy Family Church" entwined in the panes of glass. Perhaps the one extravagance the original families allowed themselves.

I'm always struck by how each church we have visited has been shaped by it's location and community. Holy Family is part of a rich heritage of community churches which cover South Western Ontario and which played such a vital social and familial role in our early settlement. "Family" was the theme felt in this church and even their monthly newsletter aptly named "News From Your Family" reflects this. People knew and greeted each other when they entered and it's evident even from their newsletter that they have a very active "parish family" through the efforts of the "Catholic Women's League" and the "Holy Family's Men's Club" (the first one I have seen and I wish they had a similar one in my companion's parish because I think he would enjoy it immensely!)

It's true I have tremendous awe and respect for the Connolly churches - something in my soul sings when I am in one of his magnificant masterpieces. But another part of me really likes the feeling in these modest 19th century churches too. Churches built by the hearts and hands of hardworking people for their families and communities. Families come in all descriptions - the ones we are born into, and the ones we create ourselves by seeking out those who speak to our heart. We all seek family.

Holy Family Church. What is in a name?
Miss M.

The Last Shall Be The First

Our Holy Family

Today’s entry is as different to this blog as this morning’s visit was to our journey. Today we visited Our Holy Family Church in New Hamburg. She is a yellow brick church that sits atop a hill in the flood prone Nith Valley. She stands strong on a stone foundation and secures a home for faith for 275 Catholic families. The back of the church has a single and centrally located bell house. Her shake clad steeple stretches upward and is adorned with a simple but effective cross. Said cross can be seen for miles around and would have been a welcome beacon to travellers and faithful alike on a long dusty road entering this picturesque valley. Built in 1883 by local families this building is a testament of faith and hope that people realized settling here. The area is called New Hamburg suggesting German roots however I witnessed Irish, Scottish and Indian parishioners this am all answering their call to god in this warm home like parish.

The interior is freshly painted touting spring greens and warm woods. Natural Oak(refinished) pews shone in the ample light coming in from the windows. It was overcast this am entering this building but the church was still inviting. Upon entering the back doors my tireless companion and I were met by a smiling man that had his right hand outstretched in greeting. Here we met Pat Langford a strapping man who offered us a Sunday Missal and welcomed us into his parish. I always seek out the “Pat’s” of this world and this man proved to me why I hold such a habit. After asking Pat a few questions he told us that it was his wife Judi the church’s organist that we wanted to speak to about emails and such. I admire Pat’s stance on life and did enjoy meeting him. He made us feel welcome and dispatched us to our seats.

The warm woods made me feel at home and the church was vibrant with life. This church has that feel of home and regular parishioners where furthermore the attending congregation were comfortable in their surroundings. From behind me I could hear Scottish female voices and the lilt of which brought me to Cape Breton and my mothers kitchen in my mind. The lilt of a mother’s voice, the security of a father’s voice and hand held, unquestioned faith and hope for the future are all part and parcel of a building such as this. This church has served faithful in this area for 127 years and has endured and prevailed through natural disasters and the ebb and flow of our nation. The many spring floods, the dark curtain of war and the great depression have all darkened her doorway, yet still she stands atop the hill firm in her foundation and place within the community serving all who enter her doors.

The service was led by Monsignor O’Brien, a retired priest who resides in Hamilton and has been sharing the word here at Our Holy Family for the past 3 weeks. O’Brien has a very distinct and likeable approach to the pulpit and I listened to the service quite intently and enjoyed it thoroughly. To my left was a little girl of Indian descent. She was a very precocious toddler who had the biggest dark eyes I have ever seen .We liked her right away, largely due to her endearing smile and angelic coos.

After mass ended my much braver than I companion dragged me into the spotlight of the public eye once again to meet the one and only Judi Langford, the organist of the day and beloved wife of Pat. Judi was very insightful and informative. She listened intently, told us stories and asked if we had or planned to attend various churches in the Nith Valley area. Judi is involved with church’s monthly newsletter and plays the organ. It is enlightening to see that kind of involvement in the church and Judi is genuine in her affairs with the church. My companion has such a wealth of talents; she might very well consider a similar effort with her own home parish.

Upon leaving the town of New Hamburg I stopped and parked my car at the top of the hill edging the Nith Valley. I leaned on the car and photographed the church steeple that stood above the tree line and imagined this road and what view it afforded those before me. It would have been a dirt road with a wooden bridge over the river and traversed by horse traffic and the dust coming off hooves and wagon wheels would have hung in the air. A simpler time indeed.
As I edged back into traffic heading west I could see the church in my rear view mirror and I admired her for a moment before focusing on the drive home and absorbing my experience in New Hamburg on a cool August morning.

Lorne

St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica, London, Ont. Aug. 7th 6 p.m. Service

2010-08-08T19:54:00.039-04:00

The more one begins to write and think about these 19th century churches, the more tempting it is to compare one to the other. It's a somewhat dangerous past-time - much like comparing the qualities of beloved children because each has her own unique features and what might be first perceived as weakness sometimes becomes the strong point. St. Peter's Basilica in London presents such a case.

Driving into the heart of downtown London, it was difficult not to long for the pastoral setting presented by Kinkora or the gothic giant of Our Lady towering over the city of Guelph. St. Peter's, by contrast, stands squarely in the urban mix of downtown London. We even had diffulculty locating her as surprisingly her towers were dwarfed by concrete condominiums and office buildings. The open fields of Kinkora have been replaced by busy downtown sidewalks, passing pedestrians, and angry car horns that make up city life.

At first I was disappointed by this. But then I realized that St. Peter's provides the centre calm and sturdy steadfastness so often necessary in city life. I myself seek out places of tranquility and calm in my own city and London is no different. Her cathedrals house 12 bells, each named after one of the 12 apostles and were added in 1926 in celebration of the city's 100th jubilee. They ring each quarter hour. This church is not silent and makes her presence known in this busy downtown. In fact, her magnificant bells chimed for a at least a full 15 minutes when we first pulled up to her doors - they peeled in celebration of a wedding taking place that afternoon but I couldn't help but notice how they began to chime the minute we left the car. It was almost comical because I had just finished saying "let's take some pictures while it is quiet before the evening mass" and it was at that moment her bells began to gloriously ring - quiet no more. I have never heard a sound like it in my life.

Later that evening we attended evening mass. It was a breezy evening and the church doors we wide open to catch every breath of breeze - we could also hear passing traffic and diesel buses but as we rose to sing the entrance hymn, the great organ (purchased in 1926 for $23,000 dollars and which has 59 stops and 3,869 pipes) bellowed in fellowship and drowned the city sounds and seemed to shake the very foundations of the building. A lone soprano sang in accompaniment and I actually smiled with delight. This church really paid tribute to Connolly's design acoustics and when the introductory hymn was finished I turned to my companion and said "that alone was worth the drive to London". It was the first Connolly church in which we heard the organ playing and I felt somewhat like a mission had been fulfilled as I had been longing to hear the organ play in one of his churches.

This basilica values it's history. They have a wonderful website that provides a wealth of information - far better than I could ever summarize on this blog and I think this is largely due to the efforts of Larry Lewis, the church Sacristan, and church historian. Larry kindly gave us a tour after mass ended and told us much about the history, materials, the stain glass windows, the chapels, the nave, the marble floors, the canvas paintings, the church organ, the wood carvings. He even kindly gave us the DVD "St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica - The Journey". Father Jim Mockler also gave us the booklet "Celebrating 125 Years of the St. Peter's Basilica". We promised to send Father a link to our blog and tried to do the same for Larry, who had been so kind and helpful to 2 strangers but he is a self-proclaimed "luddite" which I have more sympathy for than one can imagine - ironically being one of the authors of this church record. We must think of another way to thank him for his kindness for perhaps there is no greater gift than knowledge shared.

Oh, and I had to look up the definition of "basilica" much to my chagrin as a one-time English major. The Catholic encyclopedia defines a basilica, in the architectural sense, as a Christian church designed under the principles of public buildings of ancient Rome - namely, a central nave, with an aspe at one or both ends and 2 side aisles formed by side columns. In a canonical sense, "basilica" can also be assigned "to important churches that enjoy privleges of an honorific character".
I am far from a church scholar, but I believe St. Peter's Basilica of London qualifies as both.

I realize as I finish writing this entry that I have said little about St. Peter's history, materials, and construction - there are others with far greater knowledge than I who can this in much better detail than this one-time English major. I can only say with absolute certainty that she has fulfilled her holy mandate first articulated at her dedication on June 28th, 1885 to stand as "an eloquent and enduring monument" to our Lord and to welcome all who enter her doors.
Miss M.

Basilique Saint-Pierre

I promise this entry to be all over the literary map so please bear with me. I discovered so much on this adventure it is hard to keep it straight. I learned more about Joseph Connolly’s work and passion today and perhaps more about the whole picture. We as humans have finite time on earth and I have just recently learned how to fully enjoy that fact. My companion and I had decided to visit London Ontario next in our itinerary and to attend St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica. We planned to view and photograph the Cathedral, document what we could and attend mass.

Our road trip was very good, enjoying each other's company in the car all the while listening to one the world’s premier guitarist Mark Knopfler. I have been a fan of Knopfler for over thirty years and he and I collectively get better with age. My companion and coauthor of this blog truly enjoys Knopfler as well and only mildly noted about my shiny gadgets (ipod,cell phone) invading her car and personal space! We entered London Ontario a full four hours early via hwy 7 from the N. listening to guitar work and seeing some gorgeous S. Ontario’s farmland. As we entered the downtown area I, having been to St. Peter’s before started looking for her towers and was disappointed by not being readily able to see the church at all. Circling around the maze of well displaced one way streets I made my way from the West and....

Driving South on Richmond St (old Ontario hwy 4) I could see the front of the church and mixed with the strains of Knopfler’s Baloney Again I heard my companion state “oh that is so different “ . As I navigated the turn onto Queen St. and found a parking spot first in curbside on the right my ears were filled with this lead…

The Lord Is My Shepherd
He Leadeth Me In Pastures Green
He Gave Us This Day
Our Daily Bread And Gasoline
Go Under The Willow
Park Her Up Beside The Stream

(As my head swiveled to the left to view the church Maureen exclaimed ‘OH it’s a wedding!”)

Shoulders For Pillows
Lay Down Your Head And Dream
Shoulders For Pillows
Lay Down Your Head And Dream

Upon shutting the car and music off we could hear the hammering of church bells from the huge twin towers that stand at the back of the church. There was a wedding and it was just ending as we arrived. As we exited the car we could see the wedding party and guests in fine clothes standing in the sun. We grabbed our cameras and walked around the church where we photographed this big church which is The Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of London and the wedding party. My eye for detail spotted a lone man away from everyone else sporting a very nice camera. Being of very little nerve I shyly introduced my companion and myself to none other than Jamie Jardine, a local artist (with upcoming exhibitions) who informed us that his favourite church view was in fact down the street at the site of another beautiful London Church. You can see the spires and steeple from a good distance away on that church Jamie told us. Jamie was waiting patiently on the East corner for the “shot” to come back. The sun had decided to hide momentarily behind the clouds. As we ended our circling of the church I was coaxed to get a shot of the young bride on her big day. I walked across the lawns towards the wedding party which was in stages of getting photographed and asked the boys in tuxedos (male wedding party) what the young bride’s name was… they all replied “Steph”. Summoning up what little nerve I had left I walked up to the bride and congratulated her, introduced myself and asked if I could get a photo of her on her very special day which she agreed. After photographing Steph, I was granted the opportunity to photograph my friend Maureen who was a beautiful sight indeed. We then decided to go on our picnic having almost three full hours before mass started.

We drove around aimlessly for the next ½ hour not speaking but bickering and arguing trying to find parking near the river and dodging all of the three dozen weddings. Every time I turned around Maureen would squeal “theres another one!! and then faint . She had taken over operations of my Ipod as soon as I put it in her self proclaimed Luddite hands and had turned it off but that only left an uncomfortable silence in the car when she was unconscious from her fainting.

Before and after our picnic in a very nicely maintained and beautifully treed Springbank Park which was also the backdrop to at least four wedding photo shoots we drove around London which is itself is a varied mix of old and new, disrepair and development. Downtown London is primarily big corporate buildings and old highway 4 store fronts that have been leased to death and spruced up to offer the flavor of the month. The front exterior wall of the Cathedral is blocked from view by a 1970’s clay brick school gymnasium that has fallen into disrepair. The church’s location would have been at the far west end of London when it was conceived. I love the following quote which was written fifteen years prior to the start of construction of St. Peter’s Basilica. It is from a fellow by the name of Henry Edward Dormer who was stationed in London Ontario describing London in an 1866 letter to his mother.

“I am afraid that there is not too much exaggeration in the abusive account that everybody gives to this place. It has absolutely no resources of its own, no shooting , no fishing , no skating, and a very indifferent society, no libraries, no clubs and no walks except a high road up to your knees in mud.”

Dormer died the same year at the tender age of 22.

This cathedral was named after the first Pope, St. Peter the gate keeper and it has a very warm and inviting feel to it. The outside grounds are well kept and are of simple design.We returned to the church intent on discovering, where we met Father Jim Mockler, Rector and he informed us that there was a man that we needed to talk to if we were interested in learning about this church and we could find him after mass. He also told us where the washrooms were to be found as we needed to change into nicer clothes. We entered the back of the church via the main doors and into the massive Narthex. It has been changed over the years to accommodate the needs of the church but this is definitely a Joseph Connolly building. The three doors in Guelph’s Our Lady have been replicated here however the outer doors were closed and the side entrances are intact on this church and their traffic empties itself through arches into the Narthex. There is a massive pool for a fount filled with holy water just inside the main doors and the word grandeur came to mind. This very narrow room in between the outside doors and the main body of the church was used for baptism. The philosophy behind this is. Baptisms should take place outside and not in the church and therefore you enter the church through Baptism.

This church is trimmed in Oak and it was the wood that caught my gaze immediately upon my walking up the three steps that separate the Narthex and the main body of the church. The nave or center hallway is wide and the space you enter rolls ahead waiting for you in anticipation of discovery. Oak Rib Vaulting encases the entire ceiling with a spectacular "web" over the Apse. The pillars are my favourite part of Gothic Churches these being of a very beautiful “Dusty Rose” and of course they are colossal in diameter and height. The roof, spires, stone chimneys and stone exterior walls that are up on the clerestory are held up by flying buttress framing and these pillars, an engineering marvel indeed. This same pillar and buttress design has been employed since the 13th century with great success for longevity. We moved up and sat ten or so rows from the front just in on the right Center aisle.

Looking around this big building in awe and wonder I noticed a few things. My friend is devout and has a thing for God and as I watched her in prayer I knew that she is one of God’s gifts. The sun was in the west and the fact that it was shining in the side wall at 6 pm was a little odd. I tried to get my bearings and thought that this church isn’t sitting correctly. This is true and the reason is that the old church, the church of St. Lawrence was sitting out back and it ran East/West and the Cathedral was built in such close proximity that the builders simply couldn’t place it differently. That explains the stain glass window on the right hand side (east) of the main entrance depicting Baptism. The sanctuary floor, altar and podium are made from marble and it is huge (we got to stand on it!) My friend was impressed immediately by her size and shape; however I suspect she is still looking for her favourite Connolly piece so she is cataloguing them as we travel this journey.

The front wall is completely different than Our Lady and yet very similar. It has 7 arches that are filled in with plaster instead of being archways like Guelph. The reason for this is simple, that the sacristy was not built in the original build as was done in Guelph but rather erected in front of the church. There is a small doorway from the front wall into the sacristy. The main difference is size, Our Lady is much bigger with a lot more stone work. Given the location of both churches can lend knowledge to this question. The materials for St. Peters were imported from all over the world New York, Kentucky and Michigan but as far away as Austria. The pieces that make up the round window over the main doors were made in Austria, shipped to London Ontario, reassembled and installed. The windows located at the transepts are magnificent and the sun that was playing tag behind the clouds outside broke loose and shone its light through a saint in that window. The sunbeam shone completely and solely on my companion. We later learned that this window depicts the Twelve Stations . There is a light gold coloured scroll intertwining throughout the image which is made even more spectacular by the sun. We have been fortunate to have had sun on each day that we have visited a Connolly church and a looming storm for Our Lady which only lent to her mystique and sheer size.

I couldn’t hide my excitement of seeing a woman in a bright Fuchsia sweater come in and put her notes on the wooden podium at the right corner of the sanctuary. I attended the Rite Of The Blessing Of The Oils in this church and she sang at that ceremony. The Organ played during mass and this woman sang today. After mass I dug into my courage bank account once again and went and introduced myself to the lovely songbird. She is Gloria Gassi (no R) and is reported to also teach at a local University. Gloria has such a powerful voice and should be heard. She is a regular soloist here at St. Peter’s. This musical experience was enriched by the organ that is 30 % bigger than it needs to be and the fact that a very large percentage of the attending congregation sang!

Much akin to Father Jim Mockler’s words we looked for the man that we had to meet after mass. This fellow is a marvel of both knowledge and grace. He is none other than Larry Lewis; a self reported Luddite and St. Peter’s Basilica very own authoritarian. If you want to know about this building you just go see Mr. Lewis and he will tell you. His expansive vernacular was only out done by his linguistic gymnastics and depth of knowledge. We only received the very condensed version of his “tour” and again we learned more in the half hour we spent in his company than we could a week of reading. He fed (crammed) us information, all factual about windows , the placement of parts of the church , the mason strike where the apse was in danger of incompletion only to be rescued by pulling a mason from retirement, the recycling of materials to complete twin towers nearly 75 years after the church received its own start. This description is merely a sliver of what was transferred into our hands. He showed us the Lady Chapel and explained its purpose in a fantastic way. Larry was very happy and quite interested in our journey and has done a similar mecca of sorts of his own. He has visited other Connolly churches including Kinkora which he adored. The best of luck, health and happiness to Larry Lewis! Thank you Larry. I am aware that if Larry ever reads this I will be told of run on sentences and other grammatical debauchery.

This enlightening experience wasn’t entirely our doing but rather a flow of charity in our direction. We were helped, welcomed and appreciated wherever we went today and that is the best way to spend any day. Don’t you agree?

Shoulders For Pillows
Lay Down Your Head And Dream

God Bless
Lorne

St. Patrick's Church, Kinkora Aug. 1, 2010

2010-08-01T19:28:00.037-04:00

Today we left Waterloo Region and travelled into Perth County to visit St. Patrick's in the tiny village of Kinkora. Coming off the grandeur of "Our Lady" in Guelph, my expectations weren't very high for this much more modestly sized church built in 1882 by a largely Irish congregation. Further, we had heard that half the tower had been removed somewhere along the lines by unsympatheic renovators and the vanished steeple could no longer be seen for miles as the original builder intended. My expectations plumetted still further. But I believe there is a little magic left yet in the Emerald isle and Kinkora, the "Place of Beauty", stills charms all who enter her domain.

Rather than sitting atop an imposing hill, St. Patrick's sits comfortably at the crossroads of this quiet hamlet. Peace sits over this village unlike anywhere I have visited in Southern Ontario. A warm sun smiled rays of amber beams on her sturdy brick. We approached the neatly maintained lawns and well-swept sidewalks of the church grounds - so different from the oceans of concrete at "Our Lady" in Guelph. We met the grounds and church keeper, Frances Ryan (who said it was ok to mention his name in this blog), carefully carrying out his duties. Happily we learned from Frances that plans are underway for renovation and restoration - her mighty steeple might one day again cast her mighty shadow across the countryside.

The church doors were wide open, most likely to bring the fresh breeze inside, but they seemed to welcome us in greeting. Kinkora retains the friendliness of an era gone-by - from the helpfulness of Frances, to the passing greeting of a cyclist who momentarily took his hand off the handlebar to make the sign of the cross as he passed holy ground. There are still a few Irishman left in this now largely Dutch community for surely this was the gesture of the Irish. Inside the walls are painted a rich coffee cream colour that blends with the warm whiskey coloured shades of wood. A magnicicant stained glass window is situated above the main entrance and the circular patterns repeat in varying combinations - three, four, five, six - throughout the church. The three circles within the larger circle made me think of the shamrock, so symbolic of the Irish hands which built this church, but also of the trinity which, as any good Irishman will tell you, symbolizes this sacred union.

More than any other church we have visited, St. Patrick's of Kinkora transported me back to another time. Except for our modern clothes, we may well have been celebrating mass in 1910 - from the saying of the rosary before mass began, to the ringing of the church bells, to the well-behaved and cleanly dressed children, to the clear voices unadorned by instruments, to the gathering of friends and neighbours outside the church after mass for coffee and Sunday socializing. We were noted as new by Father Paul Nicholson when we left but were so warmly greeted by all. Father Paul was very interested in The Church Project and was off to Hamilton the next day where perhaps he will discover Connolly's other churches. This church even celebrates a latin mass, "unus antiquior" at noon every Sunday.

My expectations were turned on their ear for this church. I expected little but was so richly and unexpectantly rewarded and realized how easy it would be to love this church and community, this piece of the Emerald isle, this "place of beauty".
Miss M.

The Cross

The crossroads, the cross and the big footprint that are made from the Gothic Church are akin to a union of human and Holy Spirit. The trinity is based upon this very belief and without it we would be in shallow waters.

I had one of my best days today, a descendant of Irish immigrants to this country I visited a home to hope and well being. The stop today was of course St. Patrick's Church in Kinkora, a crossroads village located just 19 kilometres NW of Stratford. Kinkora in Gaelic means "a place of beauty" and this spot is certainly that. I walked away from home today in anticipation of what lay ahead of me. I wore just jeans and an impossibly heavy red shirt and fully expected to see a girl that was fully expecting to see me. There is a sense of new and anticipation when I am in her company and I think that shapes the entire experience.

Joseph Connolly built this church and perhaps sold the plans to 105 Irish families that commissioned him to erect it. Like any S. Ontario lot the bush around Kinkora would have been cleared and burned for heat and winters would have been cold. There is a small chapel on the NE side of the church that is nestled into her side. The “winter” chapel would have been easier to heat in the winter and is still used today by the priest. It houses his Vestments and he could prepare for the day’s sermon in it . This building could have been the original church while the main church was being constructed. There is a big rectory on the property and the entire property was immaculate. The pride of this parish was obvious and this church is in pristine condition. As we walked through the front door the nave was open and airy thanks to the doors being open. There was a man who was set to task of sweeping and readying the church for the morning mass. He is none other than Frances Ryan and he told me more in the 5 minutes I talked to him than I could read in a week. He is 56 years old and cannot remember any saints being on this building. There are spots reserved for them on the rear wall of the building and a statue of this church’s namesake St. Patrick has been returned to his location at the top of the rear wall. There has been a massive restoration to this building and the main steeple that was knocked down for safety might be going back up. According to local lore this church has a benefactor who very generously left a legacy. There is an unveiling of a plaque and plans on Oct 2 2010 which may very well be a replacement of the missing top 70 ft of steeple.

The interior of this building although smaller than the big church is very well appointed. Her main framing consists of flying buttresses and rib vaulting. The rib vaulting was done in Oak and has been untouched by restorations. The stained glass windows are beautiful and this church is sitting perfectly on an East/West axis. The rear wall is facing west and the cemetery which is located across the road. The basement windows have been removed and cemented over and there was some soldiering work done on the rear of the building that I could not make any sense of. I looked for old scarring and couldn’t find any. The entire exterior is of yellow and red line brick. The soldiering is European and I have seen similar brick work on the old brick roadways in Stratford. Local lore tells of possibly a German influence in the brick work. The rectory is of all red clay brick and is of a different style than the church itself. The roof is all slate and well preserved. There are big old growth maples on the lot which would protect her but the winters would be harsh on this rural crossroad.

The parish Priest is a very humble and engaging man by the name of Father Paul Nicholson who gave a very passionate sermon that has me engaged a full day after hearing it. My companion and I met Father Paul on the main stairs after mass ended. We quickly exchanged greetings and then after his parishioner's had dispatched him he asked more detailed questions about our adventure. Both parties were glad we met because we both knew of churches that Connolly had built that the other didn't. All in all a good day!

The village itself is tiny but you get the sense of true community when the parishioners started coming. I realized that we would be recognized as outsiders but we were made to feel welcome. After mass there was a table set up with coffee. The entire attending congregation was out back, standing around talking and exchanging pleasantries. It was an incredible feeling that these people were dressed up in fine clothes , their children were clean and well behaved. This was the social event of the week for them and you could see they were enjoying themselves. There were chores to do before church and after mass (cows don’t milk themselves) but for now it was church. I had an incredibly good time and all I did was attend mass in a little village.
Lorne

St Francis of Assisi Church, Kitchener, Ontario, July 24, 2010

2010-07-24T20:41:00.002-04:00

This blog is devoted to the discovery and description by two friends of great old 19th century Catholic churches of Southern Ontario. One of the priviledges of creating a blog is being able to break the rules once in awhile - and as we all know there is little more fun in life than sometimes walking outside the box. This weekend we were unable to attend one of the 19th century churches on our list - I had work commitments and my faithful companion had family committments. I wouldn't attend one of our chosen without him so went instead to my own farmiliar childhood parish, St Francis of Assisi Church, located on Blueridge Avenue in beautiful Forest Hill, Kitchener. I hope you will indulge me as I write a wee bit about this church and my experiences there.

St. Francis Church is the antithesis of the 19th century churches we are devoted to investigating. Built in 1960, and celebrating it's 50th anniversary, it is nestled in the heart of quiet suburbia. It's a product of it's era - contemporary angles, open spaces, blonde woods, clean lines. Only the magnificant stained glass window of St. Francis with all his animals located at the front apex of the roof line harkens to the churches of the past. St. Francis is, perhaps, the most beloved saint of all. He was first called to religious life when God tells him "Go Francis and repair my house which you see is falling into ruin." Francis then re-built St. Damians Church and also restored 2 other chapels - St. Peter's and St. Mary's. Even in the 13th century churches fell into disrepair. I think my friend, the builder, would appreciate that about St. Francis.

St. Francis also had a great love of nature and the environment. There is a carved wooden statue of St. Francis with his beloved wolf at the entrance to the church that is my favourite. Francis pleaded with people of Gubbio to feed the fierce wolf that had ravished their flocks. Birds flocked around Francis and nightingales sang with him. My church friend also understands love for animals, especially dogs, and called one in particular friend and family. Blessed is he who protects the birds.

As far as architectural features goes, even I must admit this church is sadly lacking by any historical standards. It's greatest claims may be that it is open and large and bright inside. But the choir voices are always raised in great rejoicing and I always feel happy inside her sturdy walls. I remember sitting in this church with all 8 of my family members where we stretched the entire pew length. Now it is usually just me who attends except on those rare occasions when I am accompanied by my friend. All this made me think what makes a church, God's tent. It's really the people that make the church - yes, the people whose mind and hands have created the church but also the people attending, their history and love of place. Sometimes we can visit palaces, but their is no place like the comforts of home no matter how humble it may be.

Next week we hope to continue our journey discovering 19th century churches. But like all great expeditions, there is also the joy of returning home, from whence we came.
Miss M.

Church of Our Lady Immaculate, Guelph, Ontario

2010-07-17T21:10:00.011-04:00

Saturday July 17, 2010 5:15 p.m. Mass

We decided to attend Saturday evening mass at "Our Lady" as the locals fondly call this stunning structure, long considered Connelly's masterpiece and flagship church. The church holds a commanding hilltop presence silently watching over the city of Guelph. John Galt, founder of Galt, once wrote "On this hill would one day rise a church to rival St. Peter's in Rome." I've never been to St. Peter's in Rome, nor even been off the continent, but I must say this is the most awe-inspiring building I've ever seen. One can't help but be impressed by the grand boldness of the vision - both Connolly's and the small community of Guelph's in 1877 to say "ok, this is what we are going to build". The walls in local limestone stand in elegant contrast to the more pedestrian brickwork of St. Clement's in Cambridge.

The towers...my God, the towers. They soar 200 feet into God's blue sky and add to that the elevation of the hill and what a view they create. We first saw the towers when driving into the city looking for the church. We turned a corner and looked over an overpass and there they were rising majestically like some great horned beast. They looked like the towers from a fictional, medieval city - completely foreign in padantic Southwestern Ontario. What awe they inspire, even today when we are used to buildings 50, 100 stories high; one can only imagine their effect on the citizenry almost 100 years ago. Perhaps that is the purpose behind these grand churches - to inspire awe and faith in the humble congregants. I certainly felt awe and respect. We even wore our "Sunday best" as we both instinctively felt that shorts or jeans would not do for "Our Lady". We desended into the bowels of the church basement to change into our finer ware - black pants and crisp white shirt for the man and white skirt and blue blouse for the lady.

We took many photos knowing they would never adequately convey the power and stature of this holy church. We sat near the front to better to view the sanctuary - turned granite and tile mosaics. Almost near the end of the service, the sun shone in through one of the magnificant stained glass windows situated on our right. While it didn't shine directly on us, I was struck by the similiarity of angle and light as during our previous visit to St. Clement's church and somehow felt that light was for us alone.

I marvelled that local labourers had the skill to build this structure and how on earth was it accomplised without modern equipment? It took 50 years(!) to build so some workers may well have spent their entire working lives building this church. I noticed over the statue of Joseph (who was also a carpenter) "Holy Workman watch over us". Indeed.

I could write more about this grand church but will leave off saying that part of the enjoyment of the day was seeing my friend's excitement when we first spotted those two towers and his sheer joy in the builder's dream realized.
Miss M.

Our Lady
Saturday July 17 2010

Lord, Who Shall Be Admitted To Your Tent?

As the title of this entry asks countless before us must have wondered. The sheer size of Our Lady in Guelph has humbled people since her inception in 1877. Joseph Connolly built this one so well it makes me wonder how much of this effort is geographically based. Guelph is S. Ontario’s Stone deposit. This massive structure was for the most part made possible by the plentitude of Shale and other sandstones found locally. Workers took fifty years to complete her and it shows. We arrived in the City of Guelph with plenty of time on our side. After a picnic in a local park we made our way to the big church on the hill. Our Lady is sat on the highest ridge in Guelph and holds that spot by right. She has been given privilege by city fathers who have made it law she has precedence over the view and no one or anything shall obstruct her. Since her inception the town’s shale beds have been heavily mined for granite and other Quarry. The ground level of the town would have been higher when they started building her and even Connolly himself would have not been able to imagine the present view.

The exterior is an absolute work of art and vision. When we first arrived I had to find parking and almost mounted a curb while being distracted by this big building. Our Lady grows out of the hill and just keeps going. I looked at her and the builder’s mind went to work. I thought to myself if this is above the ground, how far down did they dig for her footings? We had to change into our church clothes and instinctively I headed for the basement. The massive support columns are down there and are situated a full ¼ of the width of the building off the exterior walls. These columns share the weight of the roof and upper stone facades with the exterior walls. This technique is daring and even more so for the time. Connolly had been influenced by his mentor however this church is his watermark.

Walking outside we entered the rear of the church via the main doors which just seemed fitting. The twin towers are at the rear of the church and are made of local stone and demand a presence, dwarfing any building in the city of Guelph. There is scaffolding encasing this structure and the grounds that could be and have been immaculate have been left astray. Perhaps it is because the church and her out buildings are receiving massive restorations that the grounds have been left unattended. The Narthex of the church is huge and has founts located on the walls in between the three pairs of doors. I believe this is to control traffic in and out of the doors. There has been some modifications performed over the years and I didn’t notice this work until I was leaving. The side entrances would have emptied their traffic into this massive Narthex making it even bigger at one time. Turning around one can see the entire main street in Guelph and even this awe inspiring view was trumped when I entered the church, walked up the nave and turned around.

We sat in the middle of the church just one in from the center aisle. We were impressed by her magnitude immediately and fell silent as our heads swiveled around to take in as much as we could. The granite pillars that stretch 60 ft or more sit on bigger columns that are buried for an unknown length into the earth. I would suspect 50 ft into earth or drilled and blasted into bedrock which is more likely given the big church’s location. These were trimmed by beautiful bouquets of flowers as there was a wedding at 2 pm that afternoon. The huge vaulted ceilings were trimmed with 8x12 hand sawn oak that was quarter sawn and then steamed or shaped over a fire until perfect. This fine lumber and plaster work encased some of the busiest and gorgeous mosaic tile work I have ever seen. Like her sister churches Our Lady has a massive atrium like Apse which is sun filled thanks to the multitude of stained glass windows above the crossing. It houses the Altar, Tabernacle and chapels that run adjacent to it. Ahead of the Tabernacle a massive stone carving,is the Sachristy where the priests and other clergy walk, work and wait. The very front of the church has a multitude of six sided spires that are slate roofed wonders. The sun was shining in their windows filling the front of this huge building with bright yellow sun and lighting the halos in the stained glass work. The communion of Saints was the running theme in my mind and I suspect that the designer’s vision must have been very similar.

Before Mass started we moved forward to four rows from the crossing and sat. There was a slight breeze and it felt good to be in attendance. The new position offered a great view of the galleries and side entrances/exits. The massive Oak door entrances and walkways were dwarfed by the granite and cement work. Plaster and Masonry were everywhere you looked. As I told my companion I could become a parishioner here just to learn this structure. I would love to run the roofs and upper structures. I would be home and my heart would be still in the towers and bell houses. I noted that as the choir and musicians were warming up that the natural acoustics of this building was very impressive. I turned and looked up at the organ that takes up sixty percent of the rear wall and rises towards the ceiling in an almost defiant manner. It was silent as we waited for Mass to begin. Father Dennis Noon lead an excellent service. As Mass ended and we rose to leave an army of pre instructed help started closing the church and it was then I found that the big girl on the hill was saving the best ‘til last. We were standing in the center aisle looking towards the open main doors. The early evening sky was dark with an approaching storm and the light that was over the tunnel vision view town was breathtaking. We said goodbye to her in our own way and feeling safe and loved we found our car and departed. I would recommend this building to anyone who has a love for anything of beauty.

Lorne

2010-07-13T15:17:00.007-04:00

St Clements Church, Cambridge On July 11, 2010

Here are my impressions of St. Clements Church in Cambridge, ON. I'll have to leave the structural analysis to you as I am way beyond my depth of knowledge and focus instead on impressions of the church and the day.

What a unique idea this is...I tried to remember the genesis of the idea and it is all a little foggy. Like all good ideas, I think it was a collaborative effort - part you, and part me. I think maybe I mentioned a long time ago that I'd like to visit other churches and you said you would too but then added the Joseph Connolly, the architect, spin into the mix to give us direction and focus. In any case, here we go!

St. Clements Church, Cambridge, ON

We arrived at the church almost at 9 am - we managed to find the church and get there on time - despite a small detour beforehand of our own making to admire God's own handiwork!). I didn't have time to look at the outside other than to note it is situated on a hill with grand old brickwork. I was happy to see the old wooden staircase inside the vestibule has been left stained and unpainted and took a second to note the fine carving of some artisan from long ago. My hand grasped the newel post and it flashed in my mind the countless hands before me - maybe even Lorne's cousin's hand as this was her parish for years. And I thought how buildings can tie the past to the present. Inside the church is open and airy with grand domed and arched ceilings (Lorne will have to give detail on the construction!). The soft blues and creams of the paints give the church a lightness of feeling - mayble to make our spirits feel light in turn.

We chose a good spot to sit - on the aisle (we both like being on the aisle - me, for slight claustrophobia and Lorne to make a quick exit if necessary (wonder why he needs to make a quick get-a-way...a question for another day). Shortly into the service, the sun streamed into the window and lit the pews around us...it felt like I could feel God's pleasure with our undertaking. Lorne whispered I looked beautiful in the sunlight - a comment to treasure. Or maybe God's light was really shining on the little baby who sat infront of us because she was really a little sweetie. So calm and full of smiles and she liked the music. I couldn't resist touching her toes when we exchanged the sign of peace.

Part way through the service I stopped to admire the paintings and the stained glass. I wondered what the church would look like inside at night. There was a grand old organ in the balcony and you could see the majestic pipes rising above the balcony balustrade...I would really like to hear that organ playing full throttle with a choir of 20 or 30 joyous voices - I think that would be a spectacular sound to behold and God would smile in pleasure.

All in all, a grand first foray into our church project!
Maureen

We share a love of old things and architecture so we decided to attend mass in different churches. I have always loved St. Patrick's church in Hamilton Ontario and have admired her from afar. I know that her builder was an Irishman named Joseph Connolly who over his lengthy career built and refurbished over 40 churches in Southern Ontario. I love the style that was born centuries before he started working and influenced his working career. I smiled when I read that an Irish Catholic made such an impression on a group of Baptists that he was hired to design/build a church for them . The style of church Architecture that was built in the 1800's Ontario was mostly Gothic and was borrowed by the day's Architects. Joseph Connolly was no exception.

St. Clements in Preston Ontario.

Before the tricities there was Preston , Galt and Hespeler. The trades and people who worked and resided in each city or town made it unique. All three towns are located on the either the Speed or another source of The Grand River. With the river came the mills and mill workers were primarily Catholic. The church located at 745 Duke St Cambridge is one street away from the main through fair. It is banked into a hill with the front doors on the top of the hill and the rear at the bottom. She was built in 18... by local talent and has been maintained by some devout parishioners. Most of the repairs including very large repairs have been carried out by non paid parishioners.

The framing which hides behind the brick and under all the glorious plaster is a marvel to me. This church has huge vaulted ceilings and her walls have been pushed away in the style of Gothic churches of the 18th century. This style can be seen in Paris France. The granite pillars would have been found locally and take the position of the exterior walls. The arched ceilings rest on the pillars and the exterior walls which have been pushed away giving precious space to this stunning and very well appointed church. Catholic's have celebrated their faith and their gifts from God for over a century in this building and the little time I spent in it was fantastic. There is a sanctuary with off shoot wings /galleries that are adjacent to the Altar and are a marvel . My Cathedral is St Peter's Basilica in London ON, it and this building share so many traits with one another.

I celebrated mass with my friend Maureen and other faithful on a beautiful Southern Ontario July morn. This is not my first visit to St. Clements. The first time was a little over a month ago when I attended the funeral of my first cousin Catherine Barron. Catherine had a great eye for detail and found solace in this building. I think I will return as something feels like home here. I too would love to hear music from the rear of the church and from the upper balcony. A single fiddle/violin's song would be sweet on a beautiful day such as we had.

Later that same day I , an Irishman by blood used my eyes of great detail to spy a shiny dime where no dime should be. I immediately climbed to it's location , plucked it from the mud , said hello to my watcher as tradition states and put the glistening find in a pocket where I wouldn't spend it.

Lorne