St. Paul's Indian Catholic Church (North Vancouver)

Corporate body

St. Paul's Indian Catholic Church (North Vancouver)

St Paul’s is located on the Squamish reserve in North Vancouver, and the current building was erected in 1884.

The first church on the site was erected in 1868 by Chief Snatt and the Squamish nation following a period of missionary activity which had commenced in the early 1860s. The original building was said to have measured 16x20 feet. By 1873 the church and associated cemetery were blessed by Father Durieu and dedicated as Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. In 1881, a 150 pound bell known as Sacred Heart was delivered from Cincinnati and mounted in the church tower, although it currently sits on the church’s west lawn. In 1894, a 600 pound bell was shipped from England, and in 1898 three Sisters of the Child Jesus arrived from France to live in a small cottage on the reserve.

Under the guidance of Father Edmund Peytavin, extensive renovations were undertaken in 1909 and 1910, at which time the church was rededicated as St Paul’s. Further repairs costing $1250 were carried out in 1948 and in 1953 an additional $7700 was spent by the Squamish nation on improvements. In 1959, Durieu Convent, a residence for Native girls that has since been demolished, was erected next to the church. A further $5000 was raised for renovations in 1966 by holding several potlatches.

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