SOURIS

1115 1-‘1Rs'1‘ s12'1‘”1‘1.1:1{s of this area were some Acadian and Scottish Families. In 1839 they built their First church which burned in 1849 along with their new parochial house. The Following year the people erected a new church and in 1862 a new parish house. Parish pastors have lived in Souris

continuously since 186—1.

111 1881 the Sisters oF Notre Dame arrived in the parish, moving into an impressive tour—storey brick convent— school. A large annex was added in 1919. For over a century the Sisters provided exemplary leadership within the school system and throughout the parish.

In 1901, with an increasing Catholic population, a quite massive new church 0F Island sandstone was built, William Harris being the architect. UnFortunately in 1928 this impressive church burned almost to the ground, leaving only the outer shell. Iirom these ruins arose in 1930 the beautiFul St. Mary‘s Church oF today.

In 1923 the present rectory was built and in 1952 St. Mary's Hall was erected on Main Street. Around 1910 a mission chapel, dedicated to St. joseph, was opened at Red Point and closed in the 19705.

86 OUR PARISHES

Souris, named From early plagues oF mice, is a busy modern town containing, among other Facilities, a First-rate harbour which sees much boat traFFic, including the Magdalen Islands Ferry which docks there. Superb scenery is near at hand, aided by the picturesque Souris River, (jolville Bay and the wide open reaches oF Northumberland Strait. Outside the town

prosperous Farm lands abound.

St. IV'Iary‘s Parish today is composed oFSOO Families. Its parish priest also has pastoral responsibility For neighboring

Rollo Bay Parish.