Saint Anne's Parish

In the 1940s there was a large population growth in Peterborough, particularly in the north end of the city. War time housing and the newly built Brookdale subdivision was putting a strain on the existing St. Peters and St. Marys schools. The Separate School Board purchased land with the intention of building a school. In 1948 the building of St. A... nnes School commenced and opened the following September, 1949. Father F. K. Malane was assigned as spiritual director. At this time, families of the school and other Catholics living in the area attended St. Peters Cathedral. In response to a request of the people, Bishop Berry granted permission to celebrate Mass in the schools auditorium and thus was born the Mission of St. Annes. The first Mass celebrated at the Mission of St. Annes was February 26, 1950. On May 14, 1956, the Parish of St. Annes was established when Bishop Webster advised Fr. Gregory Wolff of his appointment as founding pastor. The Parish boundaries were north of Parkhill from the Otonabee River to the Canadian National Railway to the Lindsay line. St. Annes was now its own parish detached from the Cathedral. Fr. Gregory Wolff officially took over and celebrated the first Mass in the parish June 10, 1956. The parish had no rectory or church. In September, 1956 a combined funds canvas with the objective of building a church began. Peter Gagliardi, a parishioner at that time, was one of the volunteer canvassers. He remembers fairs and draws being held to help raise funds. When the campaign ended $150,000 had been pledged. In early 1957, OGorman and Associates of North Bay designed the church and the building contract was awarded to M.J. Finn. Sod turning occurred July 8, 1957. The churchs corner-stone was laid December 15, 1957. Peter Gagliardi was there. He remembers a clear sunny day and a full parking lot. The workers spread the mortar and Fr. Ray Garvey, with a couple of assistants, picked up and laid the cornerstone in its place. Bishop Webster blessed the cornerstone which contains a time ...Read More