St. Bernards Church- Catholic

Page 2     Rebuilt Church of 1903

     "The first mission provided for the people at the mines of "Upper Chateaugay Lake" was given on February 25, 1875. It was on the 21st of November 1874 that I first came to this place.  Bishop Wadhams (of Ogdensburg) thought that he would have to do something to enable the Catholics at the mines to practice their faith. The first Mass was offered in a log house which belonged to John Farrell. This house was situated on the old winter road which went as far as Saranac. 39 people were there. These are their names: James Farrell. John Nash & his wife, John Farrell, Thomas Farrell, Isalas LeMaire & his wife; Thomas Harney, William McCormick, Charles Bishop, Leonard Parkers, Patrick Hanlon, John Gallagher, Martin Hanlon, Henry Canning, John Lavin, Lawrence Meaghaw, Finy Parkeson, Thomas Welsh, Michael Welsh, Alex Brady, Edward Durocher, Michel Fosc, Michel Goodman, Peter Godman, Martin Gallagher, Louis Racicot, Michel L'Abbe, Alfred LaVeillee, Peter Frechette, M. Farrell, Elmire Penot . After that first visit of Feb.25, 1875, Mass was offered once every month. After the Mass on Sept. 5th, 1875. the idea of building a church was first proposed."  (Written words of Rev. Father Lorrain.)
     The 1st entry of baptism was that of Henry LeMaire, child of Isaias LeMaire on Feb. 6, 1875. The contract to cut the wood was given to Isaias LeMaire for a chapel.  Enough wood was cut during that winter, but, in the month of May a fire broke out in the Iron Mines close by and a strong wind caused the flames to blow over to the pile of logs. They were nearly all
burned. What was left was sold. The idea of a chapel was discontinued for a while.  Mass was now offered at various homes and in the school.  Father Lorrain said his first Mass at 9:00 a.m. at Lyon Mountain and at 11:00 a.m. at Redford, the home Parish.  On the 21st of June, the Mission was formally established under the title of "Corporation of St. Bernard's" of
Rogersfield, as Lyon Mountain was then called. Father Lorrain continued to serve both places. Soon, however, he was made Bishop of Pembroke in Canada.
     Father Lorrain was replaced at Redford by Father Decarrie. It was under him that Lyon Mountain was given its first Catholic Church. (Ex. No. 1). In 1881 Lyon Mountain was separated from Redford Parish. In 1882 Father LeCourt came and was named "The first Pastor of Lyon Mountain". (Rogersfield). At first he rented a room at the hotel. In 1882 he resolved to build himself a room in the back of the church that would also serve as a sacristy.  Later he changed his mind and decided to build a rectory. This he did before his departure in August of 1882. Father Lachance arrived as the new Pastor with a debt of $954.00 on his hands to pay. A picnic was soon held and enough money was collected to pay the debt and to furnish both the new church and rectory. On the 12th of August 1883, BishopWadhams of Ogdensburg visited Lyon Mountain (Rogersfield).
     "He was met at the Station by about five or six hundred citizens. The School Band escorted the procession to the rectory. The Bishop then thanked everyone for this demonstration of faith & piety. He blessed them.  In the evening there was a beautiful display of fireworks in the sky. $150.00 was collected. The next day, the Bishop confirmed 107 people. He left at 3:00 pm after having expressed all the joy and satisfaction he felt about the Parish of Lyon Mountain". (Taken from Early Parish Record Book).

 

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