St. Linus Church
An Historic Church in an Historic Village
The Village
The Village of Bath is one of Ontario's oldest settlements, having been founded in 1784 by Jessup's Rangers, members of the Loyalist Regiment, who fled the United States after having fought on Britain's behalf during the Revolutionary war. Bath was the site of the first government-built school in Canada, the Bath Academy. Less proudly, Bath lays claim to being the site of the first execution by hanging in Canada. The person hanged, by the way, was subsequently proven innocent.
The Village was incorporated under Provincial Law in 1818.
At one time, the Village of Bath rivalled Kingston as an economic centre. However, the bypassing of the Village by the railroad, and a number of other factors changed that, and Bath gradually developed into the quiet, peaceful Village we know today as part of Loyalist Township.
The Little Mission
Saint Linus has always been a mission church. The Rev. M. O'Donohue was the first priest to serve here, from 1869-1874. He was succeeded by Rev. C.A. McWilliams, who served for 23 years until 1897.
A number of priests served the area in the ensuing years, including a period from 1897-1910 when the Marists served the community.
The original church was a long way from the road, down nearer to the lake.
In the 1940's, during the incumbency of Rev. B.L. Farrel, the present church was built, closer to Highway 33.
After World War II, the Church was enlarged, and the stucco was applied. If you look closely, you can see where the building was split in the middle, and a new section added.
The Modern Era
In the 1990's, under the direction of Rev. Allen Peterkin, S.J., the church entrance was rebuilt and a wheelchair ramp was added, making our building fully accessible. In addition, the altar rail was removed, in keeping with the guidelines emanating from Vatican II.
Constant improvement
In the year 2000, the stucco was reparied and repainted, and a beautiful, new fence was built around our Cemetery.
In 2001, a lovely, handcrafted baptismal font was blessed, and a magnificent new Allen organ acquired.
Saint Linus Today
We are blessed with the leadership of Fr. Terry Lynch, our administrator, who serves us from the Cathedral.
We have a happy, caring community, with many volunteers providing, among a variety of other things, social activities, property and liturgy committees, ministry to the sick, and beautiful music from a small but dedicated and talented choir.
Revised Spring, 2002