Grosse IsleTrip Report

August 22, 2009

The trip to Grosse Isle on August 22 was by all accounts a great success with 26 people participating. We were fortunate to have a sunny and warm day and were graciously welcomed by Parks Canada staff.  Upon arrival on the Island, we made our way to the newly restored Chapel where we presented a representative of Parks Canada our cheque for $25,000 followed by a short history of the Church by a Parks Canada Interpreter.  Both the recently retired Archbishop, The Most Reverend Bruce Stavert, of the Anglican Diocese of Quebec, and newly appointed Bishop Drainville were present to say a few words. The Archbishop unveiled a beautiful plaque with the names of the 17 Protestant Clergy who served the quarantine station in 1847, three of whom died of the fever. The bottom of the plaque reads:

“The restoration of this Chapel has been made possible by the generous contribution of the
Irish Protestant Benevolent Society of Montreal”

After a short prayer to commemorate those who served, and to rededicate the Chapel, we proceeded on a guided tour of the many buildings and sites on the Island. This historical Island that is particularly important to the Irish is indeed one of Canada’s hidden treasures.

We are most grateful, and my personal thanks go out to both Parks Canada and the Anglican Diocese of Quebec for their interest and participation with us in this project. The restoration work was of the highest quality and both contributed many artifacts, accessories and memorabilia.

Bill Eakin   .