The history of Catholicism in Port Moody dates back to 1900 with just two Catholic families - the Carrs, and Lonsdales. Without a place to worship, one of the Carrs approached the Oblate fathers (OMI) in New Westminster and, as a result of their request, a priest came to Port Moody once a month and celebrated Mass for them, first in their homes, and then in a public school. Later, due to the growing number of Catholics in the area brought in by employment at the sawmills, the demand for a proper church increased quickly. In 1912 the first Catholic Church in Port Moody, St. Joseph’s Parish, was opened at the corner of Grant and Jane Streets. The founding pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish, Fr. Felix Kientz took charge on March 1, 1913.
The new “mission church” struggled much during its early years, attributed to the collapse of the building boom throughout BC during the time, the results of World War 1, and the impact of the Great Depression. Despite the adversity, Masses continued to be offered on Sundays, and the Sacraments were still celebrated regularly at the parish. The first recorded baptism in the parish was on July 20, 1913 (Edwin James Macdonald) and the first recorded wedding was on August 19, 1913 (Mr. J. McIntyre and Mrs. E. Helm).
In the mid 20th Century, the parish experienced a spiritual revival, and the congregation began to increase. Under the direction of Fr. R.J. Carroll (1946-1952), the parish purchased its first (and still current) rectory in 1947 located at 140 Moody Street. During this time of growth, the parish’s first chapter of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) was established with 27 members, and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (now Parish Religious Education Program) was established with catechism classes offered weekly.
In 1953 it became clear that the parish was growing and that the current church building was not sufficient for the influx of new parishioners. In 1956 a Building Fund Committee was established with plan for building a new church hall. On February 10, 1963, the new church was open and celebrated its first Mass, three blocks away from the old church, right next to the rectory on Moody and Henry Streets. On March 17, 1963, the new church was blessed by Archbishop Martin Johnson. To this day, the new church still stands, with additions, and upgrades being made to it over the years such as the belfry, which contains the old bell from the original church.
Over the years St. Joseph’s has helped establish other Catholic communities and is the “the mother parish” of two nearby churches - All Saints (1961), and St. Clare of Assisi (1999). Currently, plans are underway to revision and build a brand new church and parish centre here on our parish grounds. Much more important than our physical buildings, though, is our people. To work in Our Lord's vineyard is to walk to the walk of faith as unified and living members of his Body, the Church. As a growing community in this hub in the Lower Mainland, we aim to continue to collaborate with Jesus in offering His Good News and saving souls. We look forward to the many blessings that Our Heavenly Father has in store for us and for the greater community of Port Moody in which we serve. May His will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.
St. Joseph, Guardian of Our Lord, pray for us.
The first church opened in 1912.
The current rectory purchased in 1947
