VERNON RIVER (St. Joachim's) E arlv SETTLERS in this area were Scottish families who moved over from Tracadie and Irish immigrants who joined them later. A small log church was built at Waterside in 1804 and a second one a few years later near the water south of the present hall. A third church, constructed around 1830 and enlarged in the 1850s, stood close to today's cemetery. In 1868 the present brick rectory was built, replacing an older one of age unknown. Since 1845 the parish has had a resident pastor. In 1877 began the erection of the present magnificent brick church. It was consecrated by Bishop Maclntyre two years later, with Bishop Walsh of London giving the sermon. In 1902 the majestic pipe organ was installed. who left the parish at age five. When still a young priest he founded the Catholic Church Extension Society of the United States in 1905. Then from 1924 until his death in 1948 he was Bishop of Citv and Tulsa. A mission church (Star ot the Sea) opened at China Point in 1897 and closed in 1970. The present parish hall was constructed in 1900. Father James Morrison was pastor here from 1907 until 1912. In that latter year he became Bishop of Antigonish where he served until his death in 1950. Perhaps prominent par was Francis Ke Today 320 families live in Vernon River Parish which is dedicated to St. Joachim. More than twenty priests and upwards of forty religious sisters have come from here. Nowadays the pastor also . serves St. Michael's Parish , lona. Vast areas of primary farmlands abound throughout the parish, as well as an abundance of scenic •"SKS8K3 E 94 Our Parishes