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GRANDE-DIGUE
La Visitation
Providence Pastoral UnitFrench-speaking
scoudouc.jpg
Priest in charge
B
BAZILE, P. Guerlin, c.s.c.
Prêtre
GRANDE-DIGUE
La Visitation
Providence Pastoral UnitFrench-speaking
Contact
Parish office
415, rue Main, Shediac, NB E4P 2B6
Mass times
- Sunday9:30 AM
- Thursday9:00 AM
- Saturday4:00 PM
Office hours
Monday to Thursday
9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Parish bulletins
On the map
History
Established in 1786
First church in 1788
First parish priest in 1820
It was around the 1770s that the first settlers began to establish themselves in Grande-Digue (Gédaïque). Michel Haché and Joseph Caissie (Quessy) made the first land grant applications in 1787. They were soon joined by the families of Pierre and Joseph Arsenault, Sylvestre G. Gallant, and Joseph Poirier.
Shortly after the arrival of the new settlers, a first chapel was built along the shore, very close to the site of the current church. As the chapel became too small, Bishop Denaut of Quebec ordered the construction of a new one. It was in 1803 that it was erected not far from the first chapel, and it was dedicated to Our Lady of the Visitation. It served as a place of worship for 32 years.
Construction of a new church began around 1828, and the church opened to the public in 1835. This is the current church, which, with its U-shaped rood screen, can accommodate approximately 800 people.
Over its 175-year history, the church has undergone several transformations, the most significant being the construction of a new bell tower, 165 feet high, built in 1890. Its 1,351-pound bell was purchased in 1865 and christened Marie.
Around 1968, the main altar and the side altars were demolished. They were replaced in 1998 when the parish acquired three 93-year-old altars from St. John the Baptist Church in Lynn, Massachusetts. They are Gothic in style, just like the ones that had been demolished.
The church in Grande-Digue is probably the oldest wooden church still in use in New Brunswick. In 2035, it will celebrate its 200th anniversary.
First church in 1788
First parish priest in 1820
It was around the 1770s that the first settlers began to establish themselves in Grande-Digue (Gédaïque). Michel Haché and Joseph Caissie (Quessy) made the first land grant applications in 1787. They were soon joined by the families of Pierre and Joseph Arsenault, Sylvestre G. Gallant, and Joseph Poirier.
Shortly after the arrival of the new settlers, a first chapel was built along the shore, very close to the site of the current church. As the chapel became too small, Bishop Denaut of Quebec ordered the construction of a new one. It was in 1803 that it was erected not far from the first chapel, and it was dedicated to Our Lady of the Visitation. It served as a place of worship for 32 years.
Construction of a new church began around 1828, and the church opened to the public in 1835. This is the current church, which, with its U-shaped rood screen, can accommodate approximately 800 people.
Over its 175-year history, the church has undergone several transformations, the most significant being the construction of a new bell tower, 165 feet high, built in 1890. Its 1,351-pound bell was purchased in 1865 and christened Marie.
Around 1968, the main altar and the side altars were demolished. They were replaced in 1998 when the parish acquired three 93-year-old altars from St. John the Baptist Church in Lynn, Massachusetts. They are Gothic in style, just like the ones that had been demolished.
The church in Grande-Digue is probably the oldest wooden church still in use in New Brunswick. In 2035, it will celebrate its 200th anniversary.
