Remembering 150 Years...

Remembering 150 Years... 1852

St. Francis Xavier Parish

September 1, 2002

2002

Our stories. Our people. Our history.

This 1930 photograph shows the members of that year’s St. Francis Xavier Parish Players, one of the early theatrical groups formed as part of the parish community. Pictured in front, from left to right, are Gertrude (Babe) Billings, Mr. Dutrizac, Father McKinnirey, and June Lindsay. In the back row are James Larkin, Ray Labonte, Arthur O’Connor, Harold Leclair, Drucilla Wark, Bill Dutrizac, Helen Enright (Roach), George Wark, and Patricia Wark. Seated on the floor at front is Harold Bolger.

Four young ladies of our parish take a break and pose for this picture taken at the St. Francis Xavier Youth Camp. The photo, taken sometime in the 1950's, was not accompanied by the identities of the girls shown.

On December 18, 1922, the first automobile expense appears in the accounts book of the parish. A new car, a Dodge, was purchased at a cost of $450.00.

Grade 12 and Commercial pupils from St. Joseph’s Academy are pictured at their graduation exercises in September, 1959. In the back row, from left to right, are Shirley Visinski, Shirley Coules, Donna Lance, Geraldine Lemieux, Ursula Dobec, Hazel Rouble, and Betty Hunt. In the middle row, Beverley Woloszik, Pauline Kluke, Frances Hanrahan, Marilyn Pilatzki, Evelyn Castonguay, Frances Scerba, and Diana St. Louis. In the front row are Joan Mulvihill, Mary Keizer, Bernadette Dregas, Judith Stubinski, and Darlene Deloughery. A record of St. Joseph’s High School would not be complete without an acknowledgement of the financial support of the school by the Parish of St. Francis Xavier and the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima. For many years, a Catholic High School Board has managed the funds raised by parish bingos in such a way that lay teachers on the staff have been paid salaries equivalent to those of teachers in the Public Secondary School System. Grateful recognition is offered also to the Catholic Womens’s League and to the Knights of Columbus of Renfrew and to all other church societies of both parishes for their abiding moral and financial support.

September 8, 2002

Remembering 150 Years... 1852

St. Francis Xavier Parish

2002

Our stories. Our people. Our history.

Afternoon banguet follows opening of new church Pictured above, in a 1968 photograph, are some of the dignitaries seated at the head table of the banquet marking the official opening of the new St. Francis Xavier Church. From left to right are Donald C. Griffen, architect; Msgr. Michael Barry, who delivered the afternoon sermon; Renfrew Mayor Howard Haramis; Bishop William J. Smith, who blessed the new church; Msgr. S.P. Owens, pastor of St. Francis Xavier; and Tom Prince, Master of Ceremonies. First Language of Parish Families Expressed as a Percentage

St. Francis Xavier Church

English 63%

French 11%

Parish Population 2,496

Polish 27%

English 1,630 P Total Parish Families: 506 P English: 317 P Polish: 135 P French: 54

Polish 584 P Baptisms: 109 P Marriages: 21 P Deaths: 38

French 282

This old photo shows the Grade 1 class at St. Francis Xavier School in 1946-47.

January 18, 1925

“ During the past year, the debt on the church was reduced by $6,803.85. At the present time, the debt is $13,959.32.” An Honour Guard escorts Bishop William J. Smith as part of a parade from St. Francis Xavier to St. Joseph’s Academy for Benediction. Some of the participants have been identified as follows: In the line closest to the photographer, from front to back are Charlie Roberts, John Kluke, and two others. In the second line are Harold Leclair, Don Goulet, Father Roney, Clarence Vice, Jimmy Preen, Billy Bolger, and Gerard Green. Making up the third line are Tom Murray, Phil Bolger, unidentified, Dr. Brown, Bill Ryan, Bob Ryan, and Jim Pulcine. In the fourth line are Martin Dobec, Phil Green, unidentified, Separate School Inspector Anderson, and several others., also unidentified.

Remembering 150 Years... 1852

St. Francis Xavier Parish

September 15, 2002

2002

Our stories. Our people. Our history.

The Hon. Dr. J.J. McCann, a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier and longtime Renfrew resident, is escorted by an Honour Guard as he makes his final exit from the church. Dr. McCann was the Member of Parliament for the riding of Renfrew South for many years and also served with distinction as the Minister of Revenue in successive Liberal cabinets of the late 1940's and early 1950's. Pictured at right are three former cabinet ministers who traveled to Renfrew to say goodbye to their friend and colleague. From left to right are the Rt. Hon. Louis St. Laurent, former Prime Minister of Canada, the Hon. Douglas Abbott, former Minister of Finance, and the Hon. Lionel Chevrier, former Minister of Transport. In the Announcement Book of October 31, 1926, a new Feast was announced that was to be celebrated for the first time. The Feast of Jesus Christ Our King, also known as the Feast of the Kingship of Christ, was to be observed by an Act of Consecration after all Masses. As well, there was to be a Litany of the Sacred Heart after High Mass and during Benediction.

In the photograph above can be found the entire student body of St. Francis Xavier School for the 1945-46 school year. One can only admire the effort put into this photo by all involved to achieve the resulting elements of symmetry and balance. The newspaper editor of the day mused that every detail had been taken care of by the participants, except for perhaps the photographer, who may have forgotten to tell his subjects to say “cheese.” Sister Frances Ann and Sister Brenda pose with some other participants of the Girls’ Camp held during the summers at Lake Clear.

Students from St. Francis Xavier School perform a Christmas operetta entitled “ The Toys That Had to Wait” in this 1952 photograph.

In the photograph above can be found the entire student body of St. Francis Xavier School for the 1945-46 school year. One can only admire the effort put into this photo by all involved to achieve the resulting elements of symmetry and balance. The newspaper editor of the day mused that every detail had been taken care of by the participants, except for perhaps the photographer, who may have forgotten to tell his subjects to say “cheese.”

Pat Maloney has been a regular participant with the Music Ministry for many years. Her musical talents continue to enhance the richness of Mass and other Liturgical celebrations of the Parish. Along with the contributions of many others, Pat has devoted countless hours of planning, practice, and performance that have provided an additional element of beauty and grace to celebrations already blessed with these elements.

Students from St. Francis Xavier School perform a Christmas operetta entitled “ The Toys That Had to Wait” in this 1952 photograph.

September 22, 2002

Remembering 150 Years... 1852

St. Francis Xavier Parish

2002

Our stories. Our people. Our history. April 18, 1937

The Gothic interior splendour of the old St. Francis Xavier Church is on full display in this photograph taken during a wedding ceremony in the early 1960's.

1918

Parishioners across the Diocese were saddened by the news of the passing of their beloved Bishop, the Rt. Rev. P.T. Ryan, on this date. The body of Bishop Ryan was borne from the Pembroke General Hospital to the Cathedral where it would lie in state until the funeral service.

Regular entries in the Anniversary Book from the year 1918 indicate that Bishop P.T. Ryan made regular trips to St. Francis Xavier to be able to hear confessions in Polish.

Even Priests Were Once Little Boys Father Patrick Dobec gets an early start with his Ministry by providing a helping hand to this youngster in an August 1961 photograph. Also pictured with Father Dobec are Dean Blimkie, the beneficiary/victim of his assistance, and Judy Blimkie (Regan). In the background, workers can be seen building the chapel for the Youth Camp at Lake Clear.

July 26, 1903 Pope Leo XIII

The photograph above, taken during the funeral of Dr. J.J. McCann in the early 1960's, is one of the few on record that shows the north side of the priests’ residence as it existed prior to the fire of 1964. This building stood on ground presently occupied by today’s church, with the double windows on the ground floor of this residence roughly corresponding to where the entrance of the new church is today.

Parishioners of St. Francis Xavier were asked to pray for the repose of the Soul of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII who had died the previous Monday. The Altar of the Blessed Virgin was left draped for one month in memory of the Pope while prayers were also requested for the election of a new Pope. One “Our Father” and one “Hail Mary” were recommended as being sufficient.

“ A group of boys and girls from St. Joseph’s Academy and St. Francis Xavier Boy’s School will broadcast a Christmas program over Station CFRA Ottawa, beginnining at 2:30 PM today. Tune in to hear a very fine program by our own boys and girls.”

Sisters of the Holy Cross gather in honour Sister Thecla McDonald (seated ) on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee. Standing, from left to right are Sr. Aime! Huot, Sr. Beatrice Keegan, Sr. Eileen Collins, Sr. Bernadetta Herliky, Sr. Doreen W ithers, Sr. Miriam Curran, Sr. Gertrude Wadsworth, Sr. Joan McGillis, Sr. Genevieve Moore, Sr. George Anthony, Sr. Theresa Barrett, Sr. Unis Letang, Sr. Brenda Kavanagh, and Sr. Catherine Sauve (Principal).

Remembering 150 Years... 1852

St. Francis Xavier Parish

September 29, 2002

2002

Our stories. Our people. Our history.

Do you know these girls? Participants of the Girls’ Youth Camp at Lake Clear take a break from the activities and pause for this photograph. Unfortunately, the photo is undated, but it’s likely some of our readers will be able identify the girls and the year.

Beginning next Sunday, Eucharistic Ministers will wash their hands before Communion (as the Priest during Mass) to symbolize our need of purification for the privledge of sharing the Body of Christ. Also, they will receive the Eucharest under both species of the Body and Blood.

Pictured in the above photograph is the cast of the St. Francis Xavier musical production “Fun For All.” The production was staged in the auditorium of St. Francis Xavier School sometime in the late 1940's.

Pastors and associates from over the years emerge from the Small Hall and make their way to the church in preparation for the St. Francis Xavier 150th Anniversary Mass held on June 23, 2002.

Announcement Book: April 1947 P April 13, 1947: A farewell party for Father M. Hass will be sponsored by the CWL Wednesday at 8:15 at the Knights of Columbus Hall. P April 20, 1947: A social evening sponsored by St. Ann’s Society will be held at the Separate School auditorium with Father Hass as guest of honour. P April 20, 1947: A farewell address and presentation will be made to Father Hass at the 10:30 Mass.

This picture captures the high school entrance class graduating from St. Francis Xavier School in 1950.