Our History
Celebrating a Century of Faith in Maple Ridge
The 1926 Sanctuary: A beacon of faith built upon the brow of the hill.
The Prophecy and the Pioneers
The parish story is deeply intertwined with the early days of Maple Ridge. Local tradition recalls the work of Father Casimir Chirouse, an Oblate missionary who ministered to the burgeoning riverside community in the late 1800s. Standing on the hill overlooking the Fraser, it is said he envisioned a great community taking root on these banks.
But the spiritual life of the parish began even earlier in the domestic church. From 1875, the Haney family home served as a gathering place for Mass, hosting traveling missionaries and creating a foundation of hospitality that remains a hallmark of St. Patrick’s today.
Building a Permanent Home
While the first small church was built in 1883, the growth of the community led to the blessing of the “Second Church” in April 1926. The interior of this sanctuary—with its high altars and Gothic lines—became the heart of the parish for nearly seven decades.
A Silent Witness
During the 1926 construction, a list of principal benefactors was placed beneath the altar stone. This document connects us directly to names like Haney, Mussallem, McNeely, and Callaghan—the families who literally built the walls we stood within for generations.
Expanding the Legacy
The mid-century brought a new chapter of growth focused on Catholic education. In 1950, under Father Steele, the parish broke ground for the first school building. This commitment to the next generation remains a vital part of our mission as we move through the decades.
Father Steele with the youth of the parish, circa 1947.
The Steele Era & St. Patrick’s School
The mid-century marked a pivotal shift for the parish. In 1947, Father John Steele began a 12-year tenure that would fundamentally reshape the community. His most enduring legacy was the establishment of St. Patrick’s School in 1956[cite: 13].
A Foundation of Service
From its opening in 1956 until 1985, the school was served by the Sisters of St. Joseph of London, Ontario[cite: 14]. Their dedication provided the academic and spiritual foundation for generations of Maple Ridge families[cite: 14]. Under Father Steele’s guidance, the parish transformed from a small missionary outpost into a thriving center for Catholic education.
Centuries of Community
Our parish life has always been enriched by lay organizations that mirror the growth of Maple Ridge itself[cite: 15]:
- 1875: The first Mass is celebrated in the Haney family home[cite: 10, 16].
- 1958: Formation of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL)[cite: 15].
- 1964: Establishment of the Knights of Columbus[cite: 15].
- 1978: The Columbian Squires are founded[cite: 15].
- 1990: The Legion of Mary begins its service[cite: 15].