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History of the Fort Kent Parish
| Father
Louis Connoir |
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A church could not be built
in Durlingville because of its close proximity to Bonnyville,
therefore in 1920, Father Lapointe with a group of volunteers,
constructed the first church of Fort Kent. It stood in approximately
the same position as the present one.
Father Lapointe named the church and the surrounding area,
Saint-Joseph, but unfortunately a few years later, since
the residents could not give the post office that name,
it was renamed Fort Kent.
In 1922, Father Louis Connoir founded the parish of Saint-Joseph
and became the first parish priest.
In 1923, with the help of his parishioners, he built the
rectory which is still occupied today. The first parish
hall was constructed in 1927.
| The
first Fort Kent School |
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In April 1940, the old church
was demolished because of lack of space. Many parishioners
volunteered reluctantly for this not so easy task, for the
old church held many memories of years gone by. But as the
demolishing came to an end and the rebuilding commenced,
work progressed rapidly and the blessing of the new church
took place in August of the same year.
On December 8, 1945, the old hall which had served the community
for approximately 18 years was destroyed by fire. Also in
1945, Father Connoir celebrated his 25th anniversary of
priesthood. The parishioners gathered together for this
momentus occasion by first having a celebration mass followed
by a banquet and to close the day, a social evening in the
parish hall.
| The
second Fort Kent Church |
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In 1962, renovations were
done in the church and a new steeple was erected. Father
Connoir donated a new bell, the old one was given to the
Holyoke parish.
In 1970, Father Connoir passed away at the age of 84 years.
He was buried in a designated spot in the Fort Kent parish
cemetery.
Sisters of the Holy Cross at Fort Kent 1938 - 1971
On August 29, 1938, fifteen years after the foundation of
Saint Joseph parish, five Sisters of Holy Cross began their
mission in Fort Kent. The were responding to the wishes
of Father Connoir who wished to have Sisters to educate
his dear young parishioners.
Sister Marie Rapaëla superior taught 48 pupils grades
1 to 5.
Sister Marie Constance was music teacher.
Sister Marie Isaie housekeeper.
Sister Marie Lucie du S. C. taught 29 pupils grades 6 to
10.
Sister Marie Germaine was aide to the two teachers.
| Sisters
of the Holy Cross |
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While waiting for their convent to be ready for occupation,
the sisters lived on the second storey of the rectory. The
parish priest took refuge in his garage! The sisters took
possession of their own residence October 2.
Classes had started a month previously. The school had plenty
of light, but long stove pipes passed through the classrooms
to reach the chimney. On cold days the pipes became red
hot and children seated near them were too warm, while those
further away shivered from the cold.
The second year it was necessary to build another school
with two classrooms. In 1941, the number of pupils reached
130. It was again necessary to expand. The School Board
rented an old restaurant which Sister Marie Raphaëla
occupied with 20 beginners.
Here are some statistics on the increasing population.
1951, 301 students
1955, 572 students
1959, 325 students
1965, 328 students
The Sisters of Holy Cross, in all their undertakings, were
devoted to the instruction and education of the whole person.
This was carried on, not only during class but after school
hours as well.
In 1947, the parishioners wanted a boarding house to be
built in Fort Kent for girls of High School age. This 36'
x 40' building was constructed and ready for occupation
by the fall of 1947. It accomodated about 20 boarders under
the care of the sisters.
Other organizations for which these devoted Sisters were
responsible were: Advance Guard, La Relève, Catholic
Action, choirs, Oratory Contests, Music and Singing Festivals,
Orchestras, Drama, Concerts, etc.
We pay tribute to the 5 founders and all the Sisters of
Holy Cross who at some time taught in Fort Kent during the
36 years of the congregations presence here. Sister Marie
Raphaëla, who from 1938 till her death on March 24,
1952 devoted heart and soul to the Fort Kent Parish. She
occupied her time almost totally to the beginning classes
during her long teaching career of 40 years. She seemed
to be born solely for this task in which she was so successful.
While helping with a household chore on December 18, Sister
Marie Raphaëla suffered a terrible accident which took
her life 3 months later. She endured her cruel suffering
with a patience that was admired by all who came to see
her.
Sister Marie Lucie left Fort Kent June 25, 1951 in answer
to a call from her Mother House of Saint-Laurent.
Sister Marie Constance, music teacher for 18 years, left
June 30, 1956 for Edmonton to found a music institute.
The Fort Kent parish is known for having had many religious
vocations due to the influence of parents, parish priest,
and the Sisters.
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