In the early 1800’s, Jesuit missionaries traveled by foot from Guelph to celebrate mass with local settlers in the area.

   In 1840, a catholic church was built half way between Guelph and Elora in Thorpville. Later it became the catholic school.

   In 1860, the first catholic church in Elora was built on the south side of the Grand River at the eastern end of McNab Street,

   however that building no longer exists.

   On May 26, 1870 Rev. E. J. Gordon, Vicar General of Hamilton laid the cornerstone of  our present day St. Mary Immaculate Church. Bricks came from as far away as Peel County and a local Lutheran brickyard owner donated ten thousand more ...more