FATHER JAMES BRADY — 1838— 1862 The first Resident Pastor of Vernon River

Father Brady was a native of County Cavan, Ireland and came to Charlottetown with a view to preparing himself for the priesthood. He began teaching the lower classes at St. Andrew’s College (forerunner of St. Dunstan’s), while studying theology under the direction of the Bishop and Father Charles. His age, together with the great want of priests here. warranted his speedy promotion to Holy Orders. He was ordained at Rustico by Bishop Bernard MacDonald on July 8, 1838 and was immed- iately appointed Parish Priest at Vernon River.~ Father Brady had also charge of the Mission at Iona, being the first priest to be associated with that mission. Before the completion of the original church at Iona in 1852, he offered Mass in the house of Martin Daly, the first settler in what is now Iona. This dedicated priest served the parish of Vernon River and the mission of Iona until 1861, when he was transferred to Southwest

20