THE ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSION OF ST. THOMAS MORE

Most visitors to Miners’ Bay have no idea that for a quarter century, there were two churches in the community! While the Miners’ Bay Church remains active in the summer season a century after its construction, a second church also served both tourists and residents for more than two decades.

In 1887 Father M.J. O’Brien Sr. who was serving in Fenelon Falls, visited several local Catholic families at Miners’ Bay. In 1908, Father Patrick James Galvin decided to erect a church in Kinmount to serve the area, and to attract attendees from Miners’ Bay. It opened in 1910, and remains active to the present time. In 1931, Father Peter Butler preached a four-day mission at the home of Oliver Bradimore atMiners’ Bay. As a result, local Catholics began assisting at Kinmount, as well as regularly hosting the celebration of Mass in their homes.

By 1936, with the improvement of the Cameron Road (also known as the “Dorset Road”, and now Highway # 35), it was decided that the time had come for a Roman Catholic Church at Miners’ Bay. Kenneth Grozelle, (who was to work at Miners’ Bay Lodge for three decades),donated the land, and the structure was erected by local men, and Parish Priest, Father Charles Kay of Kinmount. Costs were covered by the regional Bishop, several diocesan priests, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and laity from across the region.

Using borrowed pews from Fenelon Falls, the church was formally opened on December 17, 1936, and was dedicated to St. Thomas More.

Members of Lutterworth Township Council, the Warden of Haliburton County, and other dignitaries attended the opening. DenisO’Connor, who served as the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Peterborough from 1930-1942,presided, and erected the Stations of the Cross.

New pews were constructed by Alfred L. Langdon of Minden. Langdon was a cabinet maker and boat builder, who constructed furnishings for a half dozen churches in the area, as well as over 3,000 canoes, and scores of boats. His Boat Works were located just beyond the present location of the Minden Fruit and Vegetable Market. Until the 1950’s, it was possible for a boat to come from the river right to the edge of the road at that location.

Soon the first baptism, and the first funeral Mass were celebrated, and the congregation of St. Thomas More prospered. Unfortunately, poor drainage caused the building to settle, and in 1945 renovations were made, including a new foundation. Many summer vacationers attended services. Peak activity at the church was from WW II through the late 1950’s.

In 1961, plans were made for a new church in Minden. With the opening of Our Lady of Fatima church just nine miles away, the congregation at Miners’ Bay shut down. The pews were sent to Highland Grove, the property sold, and, within a decade, the church site was obliterated, due to the re-construction of Highway # 35.

Travellers driving to Minden cross the junction of the Davis Lake Road. Little do they realizethat beneath the pavement lies the site of thesecond church that once stood at Miners’ Bay!

Russ Wunker,

April 2020