Book Review - The Monitor, July 2002
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Parish and the Early People of Carbonear
(St.John's) It was a project that started with the discovery of some old books, school and church records in the attic of the Mackey house in Carbonear. The final product is a labor of love, a book that details the history of the people of Carbonear and the people of St. Patrick's Parish.
The man rooting around in the attic of his wife's family home was Jim Fleming Sr. He was so fascinated by his discovery in the attic that he immediately set out to find out more about the historic parish and the people that made up the parish. the research has taken him more than a decade, a project - that with the support of his wife and family that has taken him to every church archive and community museum in the province that could potentially offer information.
He did extensive research in the archives of the three Roman Catholic dioceses in the province as well as the archives for the Presentation and Mercy congregations and the congregation of the Christina Brothers.
He also met with many local historians and researchers including Harbour Grace historian, Bobbie Connolly.
The 258 page book dedicated to the priests, sister and parishioners who helped make St. Patrick's a great parish details the history of both individual's groups and societies in the parish and community. Dispersed throughout the book are approximately 200 rare photographs, sketches and drawings that record the visual history of the parish.
A real bonus for anyone that is planning to purchase the book is the wealth of genealogical information that can be found within its covers. The appendices of the book records the wills of Catholic people from Carbonear and records of marriages from 1850 - 1899.
Mr. Fleming has produced two manuscripts one on the Mackey family of Carbonear and another on Alexander O'Donovan, Professor of the Carbonear Grammar School. He also maintains a home page on the world wide web dedicated to the Catholic history of the area.
Books are available in Newfoundland for $15.00 (CDN) at the following locations:
►The Archdiocese of St. John's (The Monitor Office) 709.726.3660
►The Diocese of Grand Falls 709.489.4019
►St Patrick's Church Carbonear 709.596.5232
►Carbonear Railroad Station 709.596.2532
►Harbour Grace Museum 709.596.1309