The tender was subsequently awarded to Edward J. Duffy of Charlottetown and James McEachem of Souris. St. Mary’s parish still today has in its possession a copy of the original agreement entered into between Messrs. Duffy and McEachem and the Reverend Donald Francis MacDonald, parish priest of Souris. Also signing this contract on behalf of the parish were the trustees, namely Michael Paquet (Souris), John Keays (Souris), Patrick MacDonald (Norris Pond), Angus Campbell (Little Harbour), John L. MacDonald (Red Point), George Mooney (Greenvale), Angus MacDonald (New Harmony), Hugh McAulay (Line Road), John McCormack (Souris River), and Frank McInnis (Line Road). This agreement, dated March 19,1900, specified construction costs of $18,897 with construction to be under the direct supervision of Mr. William Critchlow Harris.

Construction of this new church began in 1901, with the cornerstone being laid on June 16, 1901 (There is some debate on this date. Some sources list the cornerstone as being laid on August 4, 1901.). It was built almost entirely of Island sandstone, quam’ed at nearby Chepstow. Nova Scotia freestone was used in the string courses and window and door arches. The use of the round and truncated towers, as seen in the picture below, were innovative in Harris’ design style, as was the use of decorative rings of lighter-coloured bricks in the tower’s cornice detail. The original spire, 150 feet tall, was built by Mr. Duffy, and the roof construction, a sophisticated system of framing in those days, was supervised by Bernard Creamer of Souris. This church, with all of its ornate features and grandeur was a spectacular site, set on the hill above Souris. It was said that no other Island church contained such beautiful large painted glass windows. These features were not inexpensive however. Documentation details that final construction costs, including steam heat, were $36,500.

Mass was first held in this new church on January 6, 1904. The first marriage in the new church was held on February 9, 1904 united Jerome Cheverie (son of Edward & Annie Cheverie(nee MacPhee)) and Lilly Jane Daigle (daughter of Fabian & Margaret Daigle). In a formal ceremony on June 26,1904, the third St. Mary’s Church was blessed and dedicated by Bishop J .C. MacDonald. On August 28, 1910, Father Morrison

erected the statues in the church.

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 1901-1929