This church was blessed and opened on June 22, 1972, by Bishop Alexander Carter of Sault Ste. Marie. It is the parish church of the Native Catholic Community of the M’Chigeeng First Nation.
This church replaces an older building that was destroyed by an explosion and fire on February 27, 1971. As a new church was being planned, it was agreed that the building should be a sacred place, built in a circle as a gesture of healing, and serve as a shelter for the people. The present church building is the product of many Native craftspeople and the guidance of the pastor at the time, Fr. Michael Murray, SJ, and architect Manfred May of North Bay.
Over the years, many M’Chigeeners felt at home and found a place to worship their Creator and Savior. This church, known as the “round church” on Manitoulin Island, welcomes many people each year between the months of May and October. Visitors come and learn more about this intriguing church, which is a combination of Anishinaabe and Catholic cultures. They enjoy their time at the church praying in the way of the Indigenous and learning about their culture.
People enjoy many crafts and pieces of art, especially the Stations of the Cross painted by Leland Bell, a local Native artist. The front doors are the work of Mervin Debassige (see the picture). The outside of the doors features the sun with four great rays coming from it — an ancient Native symbol of Christ, the light of the world. The 12 minor rays represent the 12 Apostles taking Christ’s message to the four corners of the earth. The floral designs are typical Ojibwe-Odawa motifs, indicating their close association with the Great Spirit in all of creation. The carvings on the interior of the doors are the totems of the Anishinaabe people. Each bird or animal represents a Native clan or extended family. They are all gathered into one large family as the people of God.
