20100721_181949 Nikon D3

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 22:58:13 -0400

Basilica of St Michaels is one of the largest churches in Canada east of Quebec (completed`1921) It overlooks the Miramichi River at Chatham, NB (now Miramichi, NB). The neo-Gothic structure was designed by Irish architect Patrick Keely who also designed Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago (State St), the home of the Archbishop of Chicago. He also designed churches in Providence, RI and Montreal. Because the church is situated on a hill it is seen for miles, especially when approaching from the north. The parish was built in the 1800s by the Irish escaping the famines of Ireland. A little known fact is that when the Irish Catholics came to Canada, unlike their counterparts in the United States, they were barred from public office and the professions!!!