The Church of the Immaculate Conception
Text from the plaque
This monumental Gothic church, erected on a commanding site overlooking Formosa, was built to serve a thriving German Roman Catholic parish. Begun in 1875, it was constructed around and over an earlier log building. Work proceeded intermittently with volunteer labour until 1883 when the old church was finally dismantled and the new structure completed. Designed by the prominent Ontario architect Joseph Connolly and built of locally quarried stone, the church is distinguished by its simple form, boldly-modelled tower and fine spire. Intricate Gothic-style altars carved by Nicholas Durrer, a local craftsman and parishioner, grace the superb interior. Restored and renovated in 1974-75, the Church of the Immaculate Conception remains the focal point of the village and a religious centre for the surrounding area.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The County of Bruce
The Municipality of South Bruce
In Formosa, on the grounds in front of the church
at the north end of town on top of a hill
at the intersection of Bruce Road 12 and Willmar Drive
N 44 04.110 W 81 12.838
Recorded June 2005. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
> Posted October, 2018 Is this the church and community that is talked about in the beginning of the novel "The Stone Carvers" by Jane Urqhart? Does anyone have a history that mentions the Bavarian priest who pushed to have such a fine building erected? My book club is reading the novel and it would be so interesting if the contents were so local. Catherine Vassiliadis