(St. Bonaventure's) A few French families lived in this area as early as the 1720s and others gradually joined them. By 1751 they had a small church at Scotchfort dedicated to St. Louis . The deportation in 1758 unfortunately brought an end to their presence there. In 1772 some 200 Scottish settlers arrived in the and Scotchfort area, sponsored by Captain John MacDonald . The same year at Scotchfort they erected a modest church which they dedicated to St. John. Father James MacDonald came out with these immigrants and served the pioneer people all over the Island with true missionary zeal until his death in 1785. For many of these years he was the only priest on this Island. The parishioners constructed a new- church at Tracadie around 1840 and finished it over the years. In 1903 the present day large and imposing St. Bonaventure's Church opened for worship. Designed by a Quebec architect and built by the Bradleys of P.E.I. , this impressive structure deserves a close up look. For visitors along here this church is a delightful surprise. The Sisters of Saint Martha came to this parish in 1942 and eight years later moved into their new convent. Over the years they have been an influential presence within the school system and in the parish. In the 1970s the old rectory, of age unknown, was moved away and a new one built. From 1860 to the present there has been a resident priest at Tracadie . Today 165 families live in St. Bonaventure's Parish . Excellent farm lands extend throughout and a pleasant backdrop is beautiful . Our Parishes 93