2 Church St.  Riverside-Albert, NB E4H 3W8

Parish History

Established in the 18th century
First church around 1850
First pastor in 1866

†

In 1907, Father F. Lockary was appointed pastor of the missions of Salisbury, Albert Mines, New Ireland, Beaverbrook, South Branch, Fredericton Road and a  small chapel in Riverside. The Sacred Heart Chapel at Beaverbrook was never completed because it was already too small for the needs of the people.  In 1908, land in Riverside was purchased from Lieutenant Governor Abner Ried McClelan for the sum of three hundred dollars [1] and construction of the New Church began. A clipping from the October 10, 1908 issue of the New Freeman states, “New Church: Work on the new Catholic Church at Riverside is proceeding. The building except the spire is now practically all in frame, and the inside covering is on. The big hard pine roof trusses are now being set in place. The edifice, which when completed will be a handsome structure, is 34 feet wide; the main building is 58 feet long and including the vestry is 80 feet in length. The tower is in the centre of the front; and with its octagonal spire, will be 100 feet in height. J.T.C. McKean of Saint John is the architect, and the contractor is Terrance Gould of Memramcook. The church is to cost, it is understood, in the vicinity of $4,500. It is expected the opening will take place in January.” [2]

On June 30th 1909, Bishop Casey of Saint John solemnly dedicated the Holy Ghost Church at Riverside. The text of the mass was taken from Matthew 16- 18: “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”[3]  The construction of Holy Ghost Church and the purchase of the rectory from Daniel Stuart for the sum of $1,740 made Riverside the centre for the Catholic religion in Albert County.[4]

In 1936, Holy Ghost became part of the Archdiocese of Moncton. The large cross and spire that stood 100 feet high was removed around 1960 after a windstorm blew the cross down.

[1] —– Service New Brunswick, Deed. Q-1 P315
[2] —– The New Freeman, Saint John, NB, 10 Oct 1908
[3] —– The Moncton Times, Moncton, NB, July 1909
[4] —– Service New Brunswick, Deed. Q-1 P315