HORRIFYING POSSIBILITIES

In the previous post I mentioned  the Fishermen's Hall on Queen St and people were surprised when they saw the photo of the building as it is today.  So, I thought I might post a little bit about the amazing history of this historic building. It certainly has had an interesting life!

FORMER ST PETER'S CATHOLIC CHAPEL, 1873-1883

Erected in 1861, Fishermen's Hall at 16 Queen Street is the oldest theatre in St John's.  Surprisingly, it is also the second oldest Catholic Church in St John's.  The cornerstone was laid on 23 May 1861 and Fishermen's Hall opened a mere five months later, on 28 October 1861.

Fishermen's Hall was the venue for many and varied entertainments, including visiting trapeze artists, Flower Shows, musicians, shows, and plays by visiting dramatic troupes. 

On 28 February 1871, a meeting took place at Fisherman's Hall.  Captain William Jackman and several other prominent citizens met together and The Star of the Sea Society was founded and formally instituted.

In 1873 Bishop Power purchased the building.  Internal renovations converted the single story building to a two story one.  The upstairs was consecrated as St Peter's Chapel while the ground floor became a school.  Four Sisters of Mercy came every day from Mercy Convent, Military Road, to teach the boys and girls.

(Picture taken from the Centenary Souvenir Book, 1955)

When St Patrick's Church opened in 1881 there was less need for St Peter's Chapel so, in 1883, it ceased to be a church.  The former chapel was utilized by the good Sisters as part of the school.  The girls' school now occupied the upper floor and the boys' school the floor below.  The R C School Board reported in 1882 that the school had 4 teachers and 360 pupils!  Eventually, two ladies, Miss Maher and Miss Nugent, were employed to assist the Sisters at St Peter's School.

The Sisters of Mercy operated St Peter's School until 1903. In 1903 the building became the commercial premises of Frank McNamara.  In 1967 it was taken over by J B Hand & Sons who occupied the building for a number of years. After J B Hand, 16 Queen St was home to several more enterprises.  You will find the plaque pictured below informative, I have no doubt.

Sign on side of building at 16 Queen St

Now, I am thinking about the churches that are being sold to pay off a debt they didn't personally incur. In particular, I am thinking of St Patrick's. I can't help wondering what fate awaits this venerable and well loved church. What indignities will be visited upon it in the years ahead? The possibilities are too horrifying to contemplate.

St Patrick's Church in 1991 (The Deanery Avenue School is partly visible behind the Deanery)

*Some of the information about St Peter's Church and School was found in the two excellent books;

'The Oldest City', Paul O'Neil

'Weavers of the Tapestry', Sr Kathrine Bellamy R S M