Located at 237 ch. Du Bout de l’Ile, Sainte-Pétronille, QC, G0A 4C0
From the Nov. 2006 Quebec Diocesan Gazette
0ne hundred years ago the Diocesan Gazette took pride in carrying illustrations to each issue, but, unlike our present paper, these were not interspersed in the text, but had to be printed on special paper and stapled into place as separate pages. The extra expense of such a practice dictated that pictures in any given issue were few — probably limited to two. In the November 1906 issue, both of the pictures for the month were devoted to one particular church — St Mary’s Chapel — on the Island of Orleans.
An accompanying article mentions that the pictures, one of the church and parsonage, copied here, the other of the Chapel’s interior showing the altar, flanked by hanging lamps, the organ and reading desk, were taken by Fred C. Wurtele. Then follows a brief history of the buildings and their furnishings:
“The Church,” it begins, “officially and familiarly known as St Mary’s Chapel, pleasantly situated on the South West portion of this historic and charming Island, surrounded by trees and overlooking the beautiful St Lawrence, is a very pretty Gothic structure enhanced by an artistic bell tower or steeple which holds a good sized bell — the gift of Mrs Leaycraft in 1875. The Chapel was built some 36 years ago through the instrumentality of Messrs Joseph Leaycraft, Noel H. Bowen, John Porteous, Timothy H. Dunn and others, on land given by Mr Noel H. Bowen, and deeded to the Lord Bishop of Quebec. The Consecration took place on Sunday, July 14 th , 1872, and was conducted by the Right Reverend Dr [James William] Williams, Lord Bishop of Quebec.
“In 1904, vast improvements were inaugurated in the interior with the help of the legacy of the late Miss Laura Dunn — a devoted and ardent worker in the interests and welfare of the Chapel.
“First of all might be mentioned the beautiful stained glass East Windows. Then followed the lining and panelling of the Sanctuary in quartered oak, a new oak Altar Rail and quartered oak floor. Then, with a view to harmony, the remainder of the Church was also panelled in oak — the wainscoting being carved with Gothic designs. A new oak Prayer Desk handsomly carved adds wonderfully to the appearance of the Church.
“The floor of the nave, and porch and vestry is of white pine.
“The Chapel possesses a very fine two manual Organ with pedals.”
To bring things up to date, the newest gift to the Chapel is introduced, and the occasion on which it was first put to use:
“Just recently a very handsome Font, being of Florentine art, in terra cotta, representing old ivory, was presented by Mr C.E.L. Porteous, who purchased it in Italy last winter. It was used for the first time on Sunday, September 2 nd , 1906, when Hazen Edward, infant son of Mr and Mrs Paul Sise, of Montreal, and grandson of the donor, was baptized by the acting Chaplain [and also the author of this article] the Rev. C.T. Lewis.
“To the Dunn family very great credit is due for the deep interest they have always taken in the Chapel. Their kindness to the Clergy (among them many Bishops) who have officiated is proverbial. It was a happy thought which prompted them to erect and furnish such a commodious Parsonage ...
“For twenty-five years Mr Logie Dunn acted as Churchwarden. He was succeeded by Mr Stuart H. Dunn [his brother], who continues to uphold the family interest in the welfare of the Church and of everything in connection therewith. Associated with him as the other Churchwarden is the Hon. Richard Turner, who for years has taken a very great and active interest in the Chapel and whose two daughters have for a long time taken a leading part in the musical portion of the Services.”
The Rev. Charles Thomas Lewis, who has provided such a detailed history of the chapel, was perhaps just an occasional visitor, for his ministry in the Diocese seems to have been confined to the Eastern Townships where he served first in Melbourne and later at Bury (from which he retired in 1935).
Although used today for occasional services only, St Mary’s continues to grace the Island of Orleans — the tradition of hospitality for those who minister there continues — and the same Dunn family takes primary interest in the Chapel’s maintenance and welfare.
