St. Pauls Catholic Church, Saltspring Island

Our Lady of Grace Parish, located on Salt Spring Island, is a Catholic community with a rich history dating back to 1885. The parish includes St. Paul’s Church, the first Catholic church on the island, and a church in Ganges that was originally a schoolhouse. The community is known for its welcoming atmosphere and historical significance, including contributions from early Hawaiian settlers and notable renovations over the years.

Our Lady of Grace Parish on Salt Spring Island has served the Catholic community since 1885, beginning as a mission of the Cowichan church. St. Paul’s Church, the first Catholic church on the island, was consecrated in 1885 and has been a symbol of faith and dedication. The church was built with materials from the Butter Church in Cowichan Bay, and members of a Hawaiian settlement helped in its construction. The cemetery includes the grave of William Naukana, the first Hawaiian to settle in the area, with graves adorned with shell beads.

In 1940, the parish acquired the Ganges Harbour School, which was converted into a church. The building was renovated in the 1950s and 2004, with additions like stained glass windows by Valla Eirkisson. The community is welcoming to visitors and emphasizes the faith of its ancestors. The parish has a long list of priests who have served the island, starting with Fr. Gustave Donckele in 1878. The church also has historical ties to the Knights of Columbus and has hosted events like the World Day of Prayer. For more details on history and events, see Parish History.

St. Paul’s Catholic Church, part of the historic Our Lady of Grace Parish on Saltspring Island, offers a welcoming community rooted in over 135 years of faith. First-time visitors may appreciate the parish’s emphasis on ancestral traditions, historical architecture like the 1885 St. Paul’s Church, and a renovated Ganges schoolhouse-turned-chapel. The site reflects a blend of Hawaiian settler heritage and enduring Catholic dedication.

Pros

• Welcoming community atmosphere emphasized in historical context
• Historic 1885 church and renovated 1940s Ganges building with stained glass
• Clear contact page for visitor inquiries
• Emphasis on ancestral faith traditions and Hawaiian settler heritage

Cons

• Thin website with limited details on services or facilities
• Service times not clearly posted on the provided webpage
• No information provided about family ministries or accessibility features