In 1840 the growing numbers of Irish Catholic settlers in this area successfully petitioned the Catholic bishop of Kingston to establish a new parish here in growing new town of Lindsay. In March 1840, that petition was granted. Here is the passage from our 1959 parish centennial book describing it.
In 1840 the mission was formed into the parish of Ops and Emily. Father Hugh Fitzpatrick was appointed first parish priest with residence in Lindsay. In June, 1840 Father Fitzpatrick left his previous parish in Adjala Township in Simcoe County and came to Lindsay by way of Port Perry, with two wagon-loads of furniture. At Port Perry he was met by Patrick Brady and James Maloney who, as night was at hand, stored his effects in a tumble-down warehouse on the shore of Lake Scugog. Father Fitzpatrick slept that night at Crandell’s Tavern. In the morning all the baggage – tables, chairs, beds and writing-desk – was stowed in a large thirty foot dug-out borrowed from “King Connel.” Thus began their slow voyage to Lindsay. At Lindsay they landed at the old mill at the foot of Ridout Street where most of the villagers had gathered to escort the priest to his home in a log shack at the rear of the present Royal Hotel. In 1840 and 1841 this shack served as both church and rectory.
This year we are celebrating the 175th anniversary of the founding of our parish! What a milestone of faith.
Our opening celebration will be Sunday February 1st at 3 pm when together with Bishop William McGrattan we will have a Mass honouring the religious Sister, Brothers and priests who have served in our diocese. It is the eve of February 2nd the – former feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary after which our parish is named. This feast has now been renamed the Presentation and is often called Candlemas when candles were blessed for the use of the laity in their homes. It was instituted as the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. What makes this even more special is that 2015 is also the Year of Consecrated Life as set out by the Vatican. So mark the date!!! More celebrations and occasions will follow.
Every two weeks a class from our schools will be making a banner celebrating our year of faith. . You can see it over the baptismal font.