The history of St. Raphael's
St. Raphael’s church officially opened on Sunday July 8, 1973 (Harvor, Mendez, Architects; Entwistle Construction). The exterior is in keeping with the limestone wall of the old church, extending 50 feet by 100 feet to the west and south, The new building sits on the footprint of the memorial chapel built in 1919 whose entrance has been conserved, and stones from the ruined chapel now border the flower beds of the new church. The crucifix above the alter came from the 1965 Chapel in Iona Academy. Glengarry Council Knights of Columbus donated the Celtic cross outside on the north wall, and the pews were donated by Hugh James McLean. The use of the Roman arch for the Sanctuary entrance, altar, doorways and windows unifies the new church with the old. Natural lighting in the nave is provided by windows which overlook the new cemetery and offer a magnificent view of the valley below. Known as the cradle of Catholicism, in Ontario, St. Raphael’s began as a mission in 1786 with the first church built of logs in 1787 and became a Parish 1802 dedicated to the Archangel guardian. The great stone Church of St. Raphael’s was built in 1821 and was destroyed in the devastating fire of 1970. It is now a National Historic Site along with the bishop’s house which was built in 1808. Both were built by Rev. Alexander Macdonell (National historic person of Canada 1762-1840), who was the first Catholic Bishop of Upper Canada; Chaplain of Glengarry Fencibles; and Member, Legislative Council of Upper Canada St. Raphael’s church continues to serve our community thanks to generous support of the parishioners. The St. Raphael’s Parish Centre, directly across from the church was built in 1959 as the local catholic school. The school was converted into a community centre hall managed by the volunteers of parish, and is rented for weddings, family celebrations, and church events. It’s close proximity to the Ruins also makes it a convenient location.
The History of St. Mary's
The original minutes of a meeting dated June 14 1845, reflect that a committee was formed to over-see the constructions of a Catholic church in Williamstown. Construction of the present stone church, measuring 85’ X 52’, commenced in 1847 under the supervision of the late Rev. George Hay. The church was to be 26 feet above the base and of a Gothic style with bay doors and windows. The quarry stone was harvested from the farm of Duncan Murchison, and William Jamieson was in charge of the project. Construction was completed in 1849 and a slab over the door bears the inscription: 1849 P.O.M. (Pontificie Opere Missionarie) The Land for the church Presbytery and Cemetery (four acres) was generously donated by the late Hugh McGillis a retired member of the North West Fur Trading Company. A tablet in the Church over his grave reads "An eminent benefactor to this Parish”. This gentleman in the days of Bishop MacDonell offered to build the church at his own expense. St. Mary's Church was a mission until October 16, 1854 when it was separated from St. Raphael's. The first entry in the Parish register is dated October 29, 1854. The first priest lived in private lodging until the Presbytery, a small but very comfortable brick cottage, was erected at a cost Of $2,000.00. The Main Altar was a gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Hay of the Gore. The beautiful statue of the Immaculate Conception that now stands over the main altar was donated by the Parishioners, and was blessed on December 8, 1858, The Blessed Virgin side altar was donated by Mrs. Helen MacDonell, wife of George MacDonell (Athol), and the St. Joseph side altar was the gift of Duncan MacDonald (Blacksmith) from Martintown. The oil paintings of the Stations of the Cross were purchased by Rev. Father McCarthy in Paris, France, when he was on a trip to Rome and they were erected and blessed by Bishop Horan of Kingston in February 1872. Today, St. Mary’s continues to server its parishioners in Williamstown and surrounding areas.
our pastor
Born in Nigeria in 1976 as the sixth of ten children, Fr Elvis Kelechi Odoegbulem began his spiritual and academic journey at a minor seminary (1988–1994), where he obtained his Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) and a diploma in Latin. In 1998, he joined the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy religious order, completing his novitiate (1999–2000) before embarking on his major seminary formation. From 2000 to 2004, he studied at St. Joseph Major Seminary, Ikot Ekpene, earning a Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil) from Urban University, Rome, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Uyo, Nigeria. He then gained pastoral experience in 2004–2005 as an apostolic worker at Bishop Nwedo Memorial College. Continuing his theological studies at Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri (2000–2009), he earned a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) from Imo State University and a Baccalaureate in Divinity (B.D) from Urban University, Rome. He was ordained a priest in 2009 and immediately appointed Vice Rector and Bursar of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Theologate in Owerri. In 2010, he was sent on mission to Canada, serving in the Diocese of Thunder Bay as a Parish Administrator. By 2014, he was appointed Pastor of St. Patrick's Parish in Atikokan. Transferred to the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall in 2016, he served as Administrator (2016–2020) before moving to St. Raphael and St. Mary's Parishes in 2020 as Administrator. In 2021, he was appointed Pastor of these parishes, where he continues to serve faithfully.
Fr. Elvis Odoegbulem
Parish Pastor
