The 1861 Census show the Healy family as living in a 1-story log house in Logan. Religion Roman Catholic. Since the parents language is Gaelic; they could neither read nor write English and are classed illiterate. John is 19 years, a labourer.

Religion was very important to the Irish Catholic Immigrant and the Logan Settlement was no exception.

In 1852 the priest came from Goderich on horseback every 3rd Sunday. He said mass in a log schoolhouse, later to become S.S. #5 Logan. Many years after, Julia, Gerald and Ellen Murray, children of Mary Catherine Healy, would attend this school.

In 1860 the first church was built in Logan. It was a log cabin and the parish consisted of 60 families. Rev. John O'Neill, parish priest in Kinkora, came every 3rd Sunday of the month to hear confessions and say Mass. There would be vespers on Sunday afternoon and Mass again on Monday morning before Father O'Neill returned home.

Other Sundays Catholics in Logan attended mass in Kinkora. They walked, or drove in horse-drawn double-buggies, and in the winter in sleighs. It was an all-day trip from the Healy farm and usually they were invited to dinner by a relative or friendly family in Kinkora. Often they went to Michael Crowley's (he was married to Maria Healy). Sometimes they went back to the church for afternoon vespers before returning home to Logan.

Usually one or two family members stayed home to look after the farm and the animals, and to do the chores. A story remembered is of my mother and Aunt Nellie, at home on the farm one Sunday, while Gram and the boys were at mass in Kinkora. Mother was terrified of tramps and enquired of her younger sister what could they do if one appeared. Aunt Nellie, undaunted, replied: "You take the frying pan and I'll take the butcher knife!"

In 1865 a frame church was built in Logan, but St. Bridget's was still a Mission. In 1899 fire destroyed the church and the present brick structure was built. Healy baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, Weddings and Funerals have taken place in St. Bridget's over many years.

Preparation for the sacraments was an important part of the children's lives. Father O'Neill was very strict about the catechism and since there were no catholic schools, it was up to the parents to teach their children. Religion was not made easy in pioneer days, and seems severe when viewed from the present. Fasting during Lent and Advent was usual and observed strictly. It was unheard of for a Catholic to eat meat on Friday, and as late as 1930 it was a scandal for a Catholic in the Logan area to attend a public dance during Lent.

Previous: Early Settlers
Next: Early Schoolhouse

Genealogy

John Healy
Julia Rooney
Gerald Murray
Ellen Bettridge
Mary Murray
Michael Crowley
Maria Crowley
Nellie Hayes