History of St. Anthony's Parish
The Parish
was established in 1887. The original Name was Saint Mary's Parish, which was separated from St. Dunstan's Parish.
The land and lumber were donated.
Culturally, the original community was diverse. It included Aboriginals, Acadians,
English, Irish and Lebanese. Above all, they treasured the Roman Catholic Faith as it enriched their lives from birth to death.
Ancestral traditions were honored. Parishioners struggled together through hardship and rejoiced over prosperity.
Geographically, the original parish included 1500 square miles. This was roughly all of York Country on the
north side of the Saint John River. The Parish included the missions of Stanley, Tay Creek, Napadogan, Maugerville and
Kingsley.
In 1890, the parish purchased a cemetery of two and one half acres for $157.50. In 1913 the road between
the Catholic and Protestant cemeteries was rebuilt, with the cost shared between the denominations. Dedicated parishioners
have always made the cemetery a picturesque part of the local landscape.
In 1906, the present structure was completed.
The name was changed to honor Saint Anthony of Padua. In 1907, a new bell was blessed. It was manufactured by
the McShane Bell and Foundry Co., Baltimore, Maryland. Structural changes have preserved the gothic style while meeting
modern needs.
Saint Anthony was divided into the following new parishes:
- 1946 Saint Patrick's in Stanley
- 1961 Saint Theresa's in Nashwaaksis
- 1963 Our Lady of Fatima in Marysville
Saint Anthony has had many miracles attributed to him. His sermons and
writings have lived on to inspire us today. Although the parishioners do not mind sharing him with the world, Saint
Anthony is considered to be a special friend here. Deep faith has sustained the parish through hard times. The
outlook for the future is based on this faith along with the hope that our community will continue to grow.
