St. James & St. Mary's Holy Family Parishes

About us

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In the late 1700's a number of Scottish, Acadian and Aboriginal families lived in this general area. The first church was built in Indian River in 1814 and followed by a second one, a beautiful church, in 1843.

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In 1865 the settlers from Ireland that would have gone to Indian River for liturgical services began construction of their first Church. This building opened for worship the following year under dedication to the Holy Magi. For a long time the people referred to it as the “Freetown Church.” This community remained as a mission of Indian River for over 50 years.

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Meanwhile, a fire completely destroyed the Church of Indian River in 1896. Its replacement was the Indian River Church building that opened in 1902.

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As early as 1906 the people in Kensington had Sunday Mass in the C.M.B.A. hall and later in the Temperance hall. In 1937 the people erected the present Holy Family Church.

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In 2010 the building of the St Mary’s Indian River Church was sold to the Friends of St Mary’s Association. They continue the maintenance of the building and use it for the internationally known Indian River Music Festival. The building no longer belongs to the Catholic Church and is not used for celebrating the sacraments.

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These days, both parishes are vibrant communities that in the midst of the challenges of today’s world strive for keeping their own identity and journey towards the Kingdom of God.

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