New Cross at Church Point
Peter L.Smith
New Cross at Church Point
Peter L.Smith
L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES – The municipality’s Tourism Committee, along with members of the public, clergy members, and ladies from the Black Bay Drummers Circle gathered, July 13, at Church Point near the Waltham Lynch Bridge on Highway 148 to remember the first parishioners of St. Alphonsus Ligouri Church with a new cross on the site. The cross was constructed by local artist and sculptor Tommy Gaudette. Other municipal businesses and some from Pembroke donated time and/or materials to preserve the cross and prepare the site. Former parish Priest, Reverend Mitch Beachey, was also remembered for his assistance in the project.
Parish Priest, Reverend Tim Moyle, officially blessed the new cross, joined by Monsignor Doug Bridge and Reverend James Beanish from St. Columbkill’s Cathedral.
The small log church and cemetery located at Church Point dates back 175 years and is situated on 13 acres of land; the first church on the site was destroyed by fire May 16, 1853. L’Isle-aux-Allumettes resident and member of the Tourism Committee, Mary Lou Morin, spent many years researching the location; she remembers the old cross, and had ancestors interred on the site. Many were unaware of the site’s location prior to her research.
Another local artist, Peggy Shannon, designed a sketch of the first Church from information collected, which was used by the Tourism Committee on certificates of recognition given to those who assisted with the project.
Many people joined the Tourism Committee at St. Joseph Centre for Seniors and Families after the ceremony for a light lunch and a cake to honour Reverend Tim Moyle on his 25 year ordination.
