There is a story that Father La E. Staley, the first assistant, was met at the station by a torchlight procession and conducted to the parish house. A report from the Parish Monthly of November, 1906 describes a reception given Father Staley by the Catholic Order of Forresters in their rooms in the Granite Block. The address was read by Mr. John St. James. Among those who contributed solos for the musical program were Mrs. P..J. O'Brien, Misses Hourigan and Hughes, Mr. Mo Hourigan, and Mr. E. Grondin.

Father Staley trained a juvenile choir which sang on special occasions. One of the happiest of these was the 39th anniversary of Father Kelly's ordination in 1916. Successors to Father Staley were Father Byrne and Father P. Quinn. Father B.L. Farrell assisted Father Quinn in 1925 to 1926 and remained until 1930. Many members of the parish still remember the beautiful May devotions which Father Kelly began. The young girls of the Children of Mary sat in the sanctuary during Benediction, wearing white dresses, veils and wreaths. On the last Sunday of May, they formed a candlelight procession through the grounds carrying the statue of Our Lady and singing hymns in her honour. The crowning of the statue with fresh spring flowers was the most beautiful moment of the ceremony. Holy hour on the evening of First Friday was a much-loved devotion introduced by Father Kelly.

St. Francis Hospital was built with the leadership and encouragement of Father Kelly in 1904, The Separate School was established in 1914. Most Rev. M.J. Spratt, D.D. visited Smiths Falls on July 28, 1918 for the purpose of pre-arranging finance to meet the obligations connected with the support of the Separate School. A committee composed of Messrs. John Malloy, James Shanks, Robert Keegan, John Jordan, and Dr. Hogan was approved to co-operate with the pastor and help keep the accounts of the parish. In 1920, there were 44 baptisms, 17 marriages, and 16 interments.

Like all Irishmen, Father Kelly liked a joke. Johnny Hartigan, a forthright Irishman who retained his rich Irish brogue all his life and was a town "character", lived directly across from the church. He was the subject of many of Father Kelly's best stories.

"Dear Father Kelly" as he is still called by many who knew him, died on June 4, 1926. Word was sent to Father Quinn, who was conducting the Holy Hour. Prayers were offered at once for the repose of his soul. The good pastor died in his 74th year and had passed 27 of the 49 years of his priestly ministry in St. Francis de Sales parish. He was buried in the parish cemetery. The graves were often unmarked in those days and when the grave was opened, another coffin was found--that of Mr. John Loftus. After some discussion, it was decided to deepen the grave, lower the other casket, and bury Father Kelly there as planned. One of the parishioners who knew Father Kelly well remarked, "It was an honour to be buried in the same grave with Father Kelly."

In July, 1926, Rev. Michael Meagher was moved to Smiths Falls from Deseronto where he had been pastor. Two years later, he was appointed pastor at Brockville.

Rev. John T. Hanley, then pastor at Tweed, was appointed pastor in 1928. He was a native of Reid, a small parish which has sent forth many priests into the diocese. Like Father Kelly, he was to pass 27 years of a fruitful pastorate here. Much building and development was carried out under his leadership. In 1930, the presbytery was renovated and enlarged by the addition of a third floor. The assistant could now move from the hospital to the rectory. Father W.L. Terion was curate from 1930 to 1932 when he was succeeded by Father H.B. Wiley, who remained in the parish until 1935. From 1935 till 1937, Father F.A. Agnew served the curate for the next ten years, Father J.C. LeSage was curate. Father LeSage's Christmas decorations of the church are well remembered.

The St. Patrick's Day concerts continued to be very popular forms of entertainment. Other fund.-raising events in the parish were the annual lawn social held in the summer and the week-long bazaar in the fall. The ladies of each ward were responsible for providing the meal for one night during this bazaar.

In 1939, the church was enlarged and renovated at a cost of $54,000. The renovated church was formally opened on the weekend of October 29. The altars were consecrated by Archbishop O'Brien on October 28. The Apostolic delegate, His Excellency Most Rev. Hildebrand Antoniutti, celebrated a Pontif1cal High Mass to celebrate the opening of the church on October 29. The members of the Knights of Columbus of Smiths Falls and surrounding parishes formed a guard of honour for this occasion. At the evening devotions the same date, the sermon was preached by Most Rev. Leo Nel1igan, Bishop of Pembroke. The Stations of the Cross were blessed in November, 1939 by Archbishop O'Brien.

The curate of the parish from 1947 until April, 1950 was Rev. D.W. MacDonald, the present pastor. Fathers F.J. O'Neill and F.J. Spence each spent several months in St. Francis de Sales parish. From 1952 until his death in 1958, Father A. O'Donnell was curate. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed by a fire of unknown origin on February 9,1948. Only the walls and tower were left standing. The congregation of Trinity United Church immediately offered the use of their Sunday School for our Sunday services at great inconvenience to themselves. Canon Sadler of St. John's Anglican Church, who had been in Ottawa that day, returned on the night train and made a similar offer next morning. Father Hanley accepted the first offer and for almost a year, two masses were celebrated there every Sunday. Weekday masses were offered in a classroom of the school.

Mr. J. L. Brennagh took charge of the reconstruction. A committee of men under the leadership of Father Hanley raised the needed funds. Contributions were made by parishioners and many others who were not members of the parish. The rebuilding was completed in December. Midnight; Mass in the "new" church, specially decorated for Christmas, was an unforgettable experience. Rev. Mr. Armstrong and Mrs. Armstrong of Trinity United Church had been invited. When Father Hanley spoke to thank them, their parishioners, and all who had helped to rebuild the church, he also announced that the new building was entirely free of debt. This was indeed a tribute to a good and respected pastor.

Father Joseph Healey, a native of the parish, was ordained in St. Francis de Sales on May 24, 1951.

Monsignor Hanley was a tall dignified man with a quiet sense of humour. He was deeply interested in every welfare project in the town. He was a strong supporter of outdoor sport and was a regular attendant at games. An ardent curler, he also enjoyed fishing, hunting and golf.

Monsignor Hanley died in 1955 at the age of 79. The funeral Mass was said by Archbishop O'Sullivan. The sermon was preached by Monsignor Leo Byrne, of Kingston. Seventy-five priests were present. Rev. J.J. Hanley and Rev. J.G. Hanley were deacons at, the Mass. Monsignor Hanley was buried in the parish cemetery. He had won the affection and respect of the whole community by his kindness and sense of justice.

Rev. J.J. Fogarty was appointed to succeed his close friend on December 15, 1955 by Archbishop O'Sullivan. He had been pastor at Elgin. Rev. Dean Fogarty was born in Tipperary, Ireland and came to Canada in 1909. He attended Ottawa University, Villa Nova University, Pennsylvania, and St. Augustine's Seminary. He was ordained in st. Michael's Cathedral in 1920. Father Fogarty's family has given four sons to the priesthood.

During Dean Fogarty's pastorate, the parish increased in number so greatly that three Sunday Masses are needed. Great expansion has taken place in parish building. Hanley Hall was built in 1957, providing additional classrooms and accommodation for Grades IX and X. The hall was a fitting memorial to Monsignor Hanley who had built so well himself. The auditorium and kitchen facilities of Hanley Hall are used very frequently for social gatherings and meetings by members of the parish and other organizations. The maintenance and bookings of the hall were handled for many years by Bill Doyle with Joe Lynch as treasurer.

In 1961, St. James the Greater School was built to accommodate children living south of the river. Six classrooms were added St. Francis School in 1963. The same year, the former Post Office was bought to be used as a convent and private school for grades XI and XII. The first classes in this school were opened in 1956. Another addition was completed in 1969 - 70.

Father Fogarty was assisted by Fathers A. O'Donnell; F.M. O'Connor, from 1958 to 1964; E.C. Shea from 1964 to 1968; and J.M. Cavanaugh from 1968. Like his predecessor, Father Fogarty is an ardent fisherman and can always find a fish story to enliven an after dinner speech. During his college days, he was an outstanding football player. In April, 1970. Father Fogarty was made a Prelate of Honour by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI.

About one thousand people including most of the clergy in the diocese gathered to pay tribute to Monsignor Fogarty on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee in the priesthood in June, 1970. There was a banquet for the members of the clergy followed by a Concelebrated Mass and then a reception in Hanley Hall. Monsignor's brother, Father John Fogarty, was one of the celebrants. Members of the Protestant clergy; Lanark MP, Desmond Code, Mayor T.O. Ashwell; and area school board representatives, James Jorgan and M.W. Lever, joined the parishioners in offering congratulations to our pastor. Monsignor Fogarty retired from parish duties at this time. After a short holiday, he took up residence as pastor at St. Francis Hospital.

Rev. J.P. Ainslie succeeded Monsignor Fogarty. Father Ainslie had been pastor of Lombardy and Toledo before being appointed to Smiths Falls. During his pastorate, the Parish Council was organized and the choir was re-organized under the direction of Mr. Bert Plant. Rev. J. Gault SFM and Rev. J. Manning were curates while Father Ainslie was in Smiths Falls. Rev. Carl Clemens assisted as Deacon for the summer of 1972. Blessed Sacrament parish in Lombardy was combined with St. Francis de Sales in March, 1972. Father Ainslie left Smiths Falls in September, 1972. Rev D.W. MacDonald, who had been curate from 1947 to 1950, was appointed pastor to succeed Father Ainslie. In February, 1974, a team from the "Movement For a Better " under Father D. Cummings, gave a retreat for members of 'the parish. The enthusiasm sparked by this retreat resulted in more meaningful participation in the Liturgy. In May, 1974, Father Manning left Smiths Falls to become pastor of Picton parish. Rev. R. Whalen was appointed to Smiths Falls as curate.

St. Francis Parish was host to ten neighbouring parishes for a special Holy Year Celebration on October 20, 1974. An impressive church service attended by representatives of the clergy and laity of this area was followed by a reception in Hanley Hall. The Parish Holy Year Observance was held on October 6. A special afternoon Mass was followed by a pot luck supper.

In January, 1975, fire destroyed the garage and kitchen at the rectory. Plans were made to rebuild the part destroyed by fire and to renovate the balance of the building. As this bui1ding is considered to be of historic significance, another plan to rebuild the entire house was abandoned.

Unused furniture and equipment from the rectory as well as household articles donated by parishioners were sold at an auction sale in the summer of 1975.

The older parish institution, after the church, is the hospital. A small-pox epidemic in 1903 roused the town fathers to action. A request was made to the House of Providence for nursing sisters to care for the victims. They responded generously. When the disease was under control, a delegation of citizens led by Mayor Adam Foster interviewed Mother General of the House of.

Providence requesting her to allow the sisters to remain and to open a hospital in Smiths Falls. Archbishop Gauthier and Mother General both consented and a public subscription by all citizens of the town raised the money. The site of Elmsley Hall, where the first Mass in the area was said, was bought for $2,000 from Mr. Arthur Ferguson. Mr. M. Healey was given the contract to demolish it and to erect a new building. It was officially opened on November 29, 1904 by Dr. Bruce Smith, Inspector of hospitals for Ontario. The first sisters to staff the hospital were Sister M. Vincent, superior, Sister M. Camillus, Sister M. John, Sister St. Rose of Lima, and Sister M. Cyril. The name of the latter is held in grateful remembrance " in Smiths Falls for her more than forty years of devotion to the sick in St. Francis Hospital. The first patient admitted was Mrs. John Plant on October 12, 1904. Mrs. Plant's great-grand-daughter, Kathy, was the first child born in the new obstetrics ward opened in 1953.

Three additions were made to the hospital. In 1914, St. Michael's wing was opened. It was a three-story building containing a chapel, operating room, pharmacy, additional beds, and a record room. For ten years, from 1918 to 1928, a school of nursing was conducted at St. Francis and classes were trained and graduated there. St. Joseph's wing was added in 1953. It provided emergency and outpatient departments, an obstetrical ward, and a nursery. The hospital now had one hundred beds and modern facilities.

A two-million dollar rebuilding project designed to bring the services up to date was completed in 1970. It was officially opened in October, 1970. The provincial government decided that in the interests of economy, services at Smiths Falls Public Hospital and St. Francis Hospital should be combined. As it would have been impossible for the sisters to continue to operate an active treatment hospital under the plans proposed, they decided to sell the hospital to the municipality. In October, 1975, the sisters left St. Francis Hospital.

Catholic education in Smiths Falls probably began in the 1860s. The only certainty seems to be that a school did exist about that time. Mr. Matthew Ryan, Mr. D.C. Healey and the Conlon family of Montague attended it. It is thought to have been in the vicinity of Mary and Main Streets. No records are to be found in the archives of the Archdiocese or of the Department of Education. It must, therefore have been a private school. The school system which we see today in the parish began in 1914, under the leadership of Father Kelly. A seven-room school was built by Mr. M. Ryan. The first trustees were Father Kelly, Mr. M. Ryan, Mr. W.J. Sutherland, Mr. James Shanks, Dr. J.T. Hogan, and Mr. Stephen O'Hara. Five Sisters of Providence staffed the school. They were Sister M. Martina, one of the Whalen family of Westport, Sister M. Ligouri, Sister M. Borgia, Sister M. Sacred Heart, and Sister M. Loyola.

A special proviso was made by the parishioners when the school system was established--an equalization of the tax rate with that of the public school. The rate on property must never exceed the rate for the public schools in Smiths Falls. The average attendance in 1916 was 193. By 1967, instruction was provided from kindergarten to Grade XII. There were 610 students in the three schools. There was a staff of 29--6 sisters and 23 lay teachers. The Grade XI and XII classes were discontinued in June of 1974. One year later, the Grade IX and X classes were discontinued.

The enrolment in 1976 in St. Francis School is 345 and in St. James The Greater, 100. Sister Rose Collins is the principal. The school is now under the Lanark-Leeds-Grenville County Roman Catholic Separate School Board.

Six young men of the parish have been ordained to the priesthood--three of them in the parish church. All six offered their first Masses here. Father Charles Mea was ordained in the church in 1900; Father Joseph Healy, in 1951; and Father Daniel Murphy in 1967. The first two served in the Kingston diocese. Father John Francis Mahoney, ordained in London in 1910, served in the London diocese until his death in 1947. Father Emmett Baxter, ordained as an Oblate Father in Kamloops in 1937, died in 1953. Both these priests are buried in the parish cemetery. Father Leo Powell, ordained at Blenheim in 1957, a member of the Capuchin Order, is attached to the diocese of London. Father Murphy of the Scarboro Mission Society is working in the missions in Latin America~. Father Healy died in Trenton in 1972.

Many parish organizations have added to the life of the parish. Early parish records make frequent references to "church committees" which helped at special events. The Catholic Order of Forresters was prominent especially on such occasions as a visit of the Archbishop. There is a long list dated 1894 of the members of the League. of the Sacred Heart. The Sodality, originally the Children of Mary, was formally organized on October 24, 1900. The first president was Kate Coughlin. Through the years this organization has kept the young girls of the parish in touch with parish life through a program of spiritual and social activities.

The first Hospital Auxiliary was begun in 1904. Mrs. S.L. Forrest was the president. From then until 1923 this band of women laboured zealously to provide money and equipment for the hospital. In 1923, their duties were taken over by the Catholic Women's League. In 1935, the Auxiliary was re-organized under the presidency of Mrs. E.V. Droughan. The members have worked hard to provide extra comforts and, on special occasions, gifts for the patients. The auxiliary donated large sums of money for such projects as furnishings for the pediatrics wing, a cardiac monitor, and equipment for the emergency department. The patients are able to obtain needed supplies from the "tuck cart". The Hospital Auxiliary Annual Bazaar as well as providing necessary revenue, has been an enjoyable social event. The Gift Shop, opened in 1970 under the direction of the president, Mrs. Grace Kelly, provides a welcome service for patients and their families.

The Catholic Women's League was organized in 1921. Father Kelly was chairman for the organizational meeting. The first president was Mrs. E. Grondin. Through the years the members have conducted retreats, study clubs and other educational programs. They have offered rosaries and Masses for deceased parishioners. They have assisted the needy, visited the sick and bereaved, and instructed the children at the Ontario Hospital School. Education has been encouraged by awards to outstanding students and a bursary to aid those who wish to continue at a university or institution of higher learning. The League donated the baptismal font to the rebuilt church; all the chairs for the new Hanley Hall; $300 to the Vanier Institute and $500 towards the new convent. In addition, numerous donations have been made to missionary groups. Two of our members, now deceased, have served as diocesan presidents. They were Mrs. M. McGlade and Mrs. James Irish. The League celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in October, 1971. Scrolls were presented to members who had been active for twenty-five years or more. Special presentations were made to Mrs. Charles O'Reilly and Mrs. Irene Mahoney. For the last three years, the League has provided religious articles for the convenience of the. parishioners. Members of the parish have an opportunity to meet socially at coffee parties sponsored by the League.

The Knights of Columbus held their first meeting in May, 1923. The first Grand Knight was Dr. J.T. Hogan. Like the League, the Knights have been a support to the pastor in many ways. They offer awards to students and originally shared the bursary with the League. They donated St. Joseph's altar to the rebuilt church. They have made many other donations to the parish; such as, $10,000 to Hanley Hall and $3,000 towards the last addition to the school. They do welfare work and sponsor the Squires, a group organized in 1952 by Mr. Maurice Egan. In June, 1973, the Knights of Columbus celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with a banquet on Saturday night and a special Mass Sunday morning followed by a Communion Breakfast at which Archbishop Wilhelm was present.

The Altar Society was also organized in Father Kelly's time. The first president was Miss Mame Coughlin. We all appreciate the contribution these ladies have made over the years in looking after the altar linens, flowers etc. The Parent-Teacher Association was organized in 1952. Mrs. Charles O'Reilly was the first president. One of the projects undertaken was the setting up of a school library and the provision for audio-visual aids for the use of teachers. For the last few years, the Parent-Teacher group has provided a social hour for the First Communion class.

A number of parishioners come together one night a week as a prayer group to pray together and to study the Scriptures.

The Parish Council was organized in 1970 with Mr. Bill Doyle as chairman. The Constitution was drawn up by Mr. Jim Supple with the help of Mr. Ed Legault. Mr. Mike Hopkins looks after finances and makes out financial reports. Chairman of the Parish Council in 1976 is Mr. Blair Bingley. The Liturgy Committee assists the pastor to provide more meaningful celebrations. The choir is under the direction of Mr. Jim Perkins. The youth choir under the direction of Father Whalen sings at Saturday evening Masses and on special occasions. The Friendship Committee provides opportunities for members of the parish to meet at social gatherings such as pot luck suppers, dances for special occasions and the very successful BBQ in June, 1972. The first chairman of this hard-working group was Mr. E Legault. He was followed by Mrs. Mary Hamilton. Present chairman is Mr. Brian Coyne. Mrs. Ceila Agnew has been the treasurer from the beginning.

The Social Services Committee provides assistance to needy parishioners who are not able to call on other organizations for help. Mr. Bob Gibson was the first chairman. The chairman for this year is Mrs. Norine Egan. The Hanley Hall Committee continues to look after bookings and maintenance of the hall. Chairman for 1975 - 76 is Mr. Ed McGinn. The Communications Committee, at present under chairman Ed Powell, has compiled parish lists and puts out a newsletter. The Property Committee has been especially busy since the f1re necessitated renovations to the rectory. Chairman is Mr. Bernard Merkley.

The Cemetery Committee manages the finances and maintenance of the cemetery. The first chairman was Mr. Joe Lynch. He was followed by Mr. A. Rochefort and Mr. Tom Kelly. In 1973, this committee organized the purchase of additional land to enlarge the cemetery. In addition to special annual collections to increase the cemetery funds, the committee held a raffle in September, 1973. The draw for a calf donated by Mr. Leonard Carroll was held at a potluck supper.

The population of the parish at present is about 2,950. In 1975, there were 53 baptisms, 29 weddings, and 18 deaths.

The history of the parish up to 1967 was compiled by Mrs. Loretta Le Palm. Mrs. Le Palm acknowledged the assistance given in her research by the following: Mr. Billy Bissonette, Mrs. Thomas Doyle. Mr. and Mrs. George Gaillpeau, Mrs. Charles Byrnes, Miss K. Hallinan, Mrs. Peter Hallinan, Mrs. John Hogan, Miss Evelyn Mahoney, Mrs. Charles O'Reilly, Mrs. Allan MacDonald, Mr. Morgan Sylvain, Miss Augusta Sylvain, Mr. John Hourigan, Mr. H. Moulton, and Mr. James Delaney.

This history is complete up to early 1970s