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Tuesday 14 August 2018

St. Patrick’s of Bayside

A recent drive past one of my favourite churches on the island reminded me of our last visit there in April when I took some photos. 


In its bumblebee colours, it sits on the shores of Grand River at Bayside in Prince Edward Island. 





The first settlers to the area came from the Outer Hebrides of the Highlands in 1792, places such as Barra and Uist. Many Scottish settlers came to Prince Edward Island and have a proud history here. The names of the original settlers include MacDonald, MacKinnon and Praught.


The first church on this site was a log building and presbytery. Construction of the current church began in 1839. Visiting clergy served the people until 1876 when the first priest was stationed here.


In 1890, the current church was remodeled and various restorations have happened over the last one hundred plus years. The building is well maintained today if its condition when we visited is any indication. 





It was surprising to us when the church was open on a quiet weekday morning. No concern for security or vandalism here. We were the only people for kilometers.





The inside of the English Gothic style church was as well maintained as the outside. The statues and ornamentation in keeping with the period and catholic tradition are evident. 





The main altar was flanked by two side altars with statues of Mary and Mother and child.





The stations of the cross looked heavy in their relief design positioned around the church. The baptismal font was a simple pedestal bowl at the front of the church.





I lit a candle for my own ancestors, some of whom were from Scotland as well. My main thoughts were of my parents who would have loved to visit this church and believed in prayer for deceased friends and relatives.





The pipe organ was behind a statue of St. Patrick in the loft. I would have loved to hear its sound fill the building. 



Imagine this church, built in 1839, by and for the hard working fishers and farmers of this area. It provided another world, a respite from the toil and difficulties of daily lives and a glimpse of a better place. No wonder she is maintained with such care and pride so many generations later.

38 comments:

Shammickite said...

What a lovely church, nice colours! Is this a Catholic church? It should be if dedicated to St Patrick!

DJan said...

Such a peaceful, lovely place, Marie. Thank you for the fine pictures of a wonderful church. And yes, I can see how it would be a place of respite from everyday life. :-)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

It's a beautiful church all right. At first glance, I thought the baptismal font was that big silver stock pot sitting on the table but then I saw that it was marked "Holy Water." Yowza!

Joanne Noragon said...

Beautiful church. A testament to the pioneers who founded it.

Anvilcloud said...

What a marvellous structure, particularly the exterior.

Linda d said...

Hahahahahaha. I did the same thing !!!

Linda d said...

I love this little church sitting in a rather spare spot on your island. I’m not accustomed to yellow churches and it makes it quite cheery. I also think it’s great that it has been well cared for by its parishioners in a day and age where many churches find it hard to come up with a decent budget.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

What a treat to see inside St Patrick's Marie, as you say so beautifully looked after. Ihese days it's not often you see a church door open unless it's a Sunday ✨

William Kendall said...

I am almost certain that I have been inside this one. What a beauty!

Bill said...

A very pretty church, well loved and cared for by the community.

Down by the sea said...

That's a lovely church that has been so well maintained. It looks huge in comparison to the size of our churches around here. Sarah x

Elephant's Child said...

What a beautiful building. And how lovely that it remains open to provide solace for those who might need it, and beauty for all.

Down by the sea said...

Hi Marie, Can you remind me where your ancestors came from in Dorset? I know I promised to go there and take some photos but it was such a long time ago! I think they came from around Buckland Newton or one of the settlements along the Piddle Valley. Thanks, Sarah

jenny_o said...

I have never seen a yellow church before - they are always white or else made of brick or stone. It's very handsome.

Mage said...

One day you will have to come back and hear the organ. Yes, we are all cheered by this church.

Debbie said...

it is so beautiful, inside and out!! i like the yellow, it is so peaceful!!!

Retired Knitter said...

What a beautiful structure! And so well cared for.

Marie Smith said...

It is an RC church dedicated to St. Patrick, Shammi..

Marie Smith said...

I can imagine how those early settles felt there Jan.

Marie Smith said...

Lol. I can see that for sure!

Marie Smith said...

It sure is Joanne.

Marie Smith said...

It’s the bumblebee church to me AC.

Marie Smith said...

I agree Linda. This one is exceptionally well maintained.

Marie Smith said...

We were so surprised that it was open Grace.

Marie Smith said...

It is indeed William.

Marie Smith said...

It is immaculate inside and out Bill.

Marie Smith said...

It is a fair size Sarah. Much bigger than the congregation requires today I imagine.

Marie Smith said...

It is great to see the rural churches can stay open every day EC.

Marie Smith said...

Oh Sarah. That would be wonderful. I wrote on your last blog entry.

Marie Smith said...

It is unusual Jenny.

Marie Smith said...

I may do that Mage, just to hear the organ.

Marie Smith said...

It stands out in the landscape, Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

Love the bumblebee church RK.

Catarina said...

Amazing! Well cared for. I would like to visit this church as well.

Jenn said...

What a beautiful church inside and out!

Marie Smith said...

It is a beauty in the countryside, Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

It really is Jenn.

Barbara said...

They have kept the church in such excellent condition. The inside is beautiful. I think it is so fascinating to visit old churches and think of who has been here over the many years.