Discover Ontario's history as told through its plaques
2004 - Now in our 15th Year - 2019
To find out all about me, you can visit the Home Page
Looking at this page on a smartphone?
For best viewing, hold your phone
in Landscape mode (Horizontal)
The Church of the Immaculate Conception
Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted June, 2005
Plaque Location
The County of Bruce
The Municipality of South Bruce
In Formosa, on the grounds in front of the church
at the north end of town on top of a hill
at the intersection of Bruce Road 12 and Willmar Drive
Coordinates: N 44 04.110 W 81 12.838 |
 |
Plaque Text
This monumental Gothic church, erected on a commanding site overlooking Formosa, was built to serve a thriving German Roman Catholic parish. Begun in 1875, it was constructed around and over an earlier log building. Work proceeded intermittently with volunteer labour until 1883 when the old church was finally dismantled and the new structure completed. Designed by the prominent Ontario architect Joseph Connolly and built of locally quarried stone, the church is distinguished by its simple form, boldly-modelled tower and fine spire. Intricate Gothic-style altars carved by Nicholas Durrer, a local craftsman and parishioner, grace the superb interior. Restored and renovated in 1974-75, the Church of the Immaculate Conception remains the focal point of the village and a religious centre for the surrounding area.
Related Ontario plaque
Joseph Connolly 1840-1904
More
Information
More
Churches
Here are the visitors' comments for this page.
> Posted October, 2018
Is this the church and community that is talked about in the beginning of the novel "The Stone Carvers" by Jane Urqhart? Does anyone have a history that mentions the Bavarian priest who pushed to have such a fine building erected? My book club is reading the novel and it would be so interesting if the contents were so local.
Catherine Vassiliadis
Here's where you can send me a comment for this page.
Note: Your email address will be posted at the end of your comment so others can respond to you unless you request otherwise.
Note: Comments are moderated. Yours will appear on this page within 24 hours (usually much sooner).
Note: As soon as I have posted your comment, a reply to your email will be sent informing you.
To send me your comment, click .
Thanks
Alan L Brown
Webmaster
Note: If you wish to send me a personal email, click .