Wishbone........Backbone.........Funnybone! Father Cyril Ross O.P. believed these three bones were needed to function in the challenging times, when he took over as Parish Priest of St Francis of Assisi, Belmont in the year of 1975.

Today our current parish priest, Father Thomas Lawson O.P. chose three other words.....Rebuild......Revitalize.......Renew!

We need all these words and more as we continue the gargantuan task of the restoration effort of our beloved community church.

The St Francis church was erected in May 1902 in memory of the late Very Reverend Father Coventry O.P. and dedicated by the then parish priest, Father Vincent Sutherland O.P. to the founder of the Franciscan order of St Francis of Assisi. Blessed and opened.

The building was designed by Mr. Ashlin of the Architectural firm of Ashlin and Coleman of Dublin, Ireland. Funded by a series of annual two day bazaars between August 1899 and May 1902. Completed in less than one year from the laying of the foundation stone in June 1901. An exquisite R.C. Church built in the Irish Romanesque style of architecture.

Today this once beautiful church stands in disrepair! It’s parishioners without a church, as the structure has been deemed dangerous to occupancy. The soft lines of the Romanesque arches and the stained glass windows that once created an aura of peace and serenity.......alas, no more!

The parishioners went from prayer and worship in a historical church, to leaky outdoor tents at the mercy of the elements!

Thanks to Father Thomas Lawson O.P. for his leadership in getting a concrete structure built on the compound so that the faithful may have a place to congregate and pray. The effort still goes on as numerous fund raising activities are taking place to raise the $10M TTD (approx $1.5M USD) needed for restoration.

We are halfway there but need your help! We kindly invite you to join us on our journey as we persevere to Rebuild, Revitalize and Renew!

No donation is too small! We are deeply appreciative of every gesture! Please help us restore this beautiful parish Church to its former glory.

We thank you in advance for your contribution and may God shower you with his richest blessings.