HomeMy WebLinkAbout396"Article copied from the Pickering News, June 21, 1940.
Illustration: St. Francis de Sales Church, taken some years ago.
Suffering great harships and privations, in their pioneer task, a group of Irish Catholics set
out from Toronto about 1840, in an Easterly direction, settling in Pickering, Markham and
Uxbridge. They possessed little material wealth, and created their new simple homes in the
forests of this part of the province — to develop the rich farming country it has become today.
Father Proulx a French Missionary Priest, travelling, mounted, carrying all his material
possessions with him, ministered to his parish, which reached from Toronto to Oshawa,
through the bush. He had two local stations known then as Duffin's Creek, and Greenwood.
In June 1860 a wooden structure was erected at Duffin's Creek, now Pickering, on the banks
of the creek, near the bridge at the west of the village, and dedicated to St Wilfred. Rev. P. D.
Laurent, was the first pastor. The increasing number of families demanded larger
accommodation and the present structure was erected in 1872, dedicated to St Francis de
Sales, and administered by Rev. F. J. Hayden. The corner stone was laid by the first
Archbishop of Toronto, the Most Reverend John Lynch, D. D. This parish has ever since,
given generously to the church, including ten sons, among them, the late Archbishop O'Connor,
the late Rev. Robt McBrady, Dr. A. O'Leary, Rev. Robt Walsh, John O'Connor, Denis
O'Connor, James Reddin and Martin Kennedy. A considerable number of daughters have
entered the different religious orders. Former pastors are — Rev. Laurent, 1860—61.
Rev. P. A. Cummings, 1861—62, Rev. A. P. Finan, 1863—67, Rev. W. Flanney, 1867,
Rev. P. Conway, 1867.—68, Rev. F. J. Hayden, 1868—75, Rev. E. Cassidy, 1875-76.
Rev. W. Bergin 1876—77. Rev. J. Beausang 1877—85. Rev. D. J. Sheehan 1885 —90.
Rev. W. J. Jeffcott 1890—92 Rev. E. J. Gallagher 1892—1901. Rev. J. Sheridan 1901—10.
Rev. E. McCabe 1910—13. Rev. Cantillion 1918—14. Rev. W. J. Ryan 1914— 1937.
Rev. D. V. Hickey, at present in charge. Among the oldest members of the parish still living
are John Goodwin and Wm. Corbett, and Mrs. Mariah O'Connor, age 92, who was baptized
by Father Proulx. On Sunday next the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the
parish takes place. At 11 a. m. High Mass will be conducted by Rev. R. Walsh.
A special sermon will be delivered by another former Pickering boy, Rev. Dr. A. O'Leary.
In the afternoon from one to five o'clock, there will be a re-union of old friends on the church
grounds and luncheon will be served there. At five o'clock. Solemn Benediction of the Most
Blessed Sacrament will be given and Veneration of the Relic of St. Francis de Sale.
The closing event of the day at 6.30. will be a Silver Tea and Farewell. All times mentioned
D.S.T.
"