At Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, we are a community rooted in faith, fellowship, and care. Our mission is to foster a welcoming and nurturing environment where parishioners can grow in their relationship with Christ, strengthen their bonds with one another, and actively participate in the life and ministries of our parish.
We are dedicated to supporting spiritual growth, encouraging service, and cultivating a sense of belonging that reflects the love and compassion of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Our History
The history of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Freelton, Ontario, reflects both the enduring spirit of its Catholic community and the evolving landscape of the region. The current church’s dedication ceremony drew unprecedented crowds, with attendees from neighboring cities such as Guelph, Dundas and Hamilton, highlighting the church’s significance within the broader community. Completed in 1890 in a Gothic architectural style with a prominent spire, it replaced its predecessor lost to fire two years prior. Inside, a pine altar decorated with flowers, hardwood pews, and stained-glass windows created a welcoming and reverent atmosphere.
The church’s opening was officiated by Bishop Dowling, aided by Rev. Father McEvay. The ceremony included Latin prayers, a high mass celebrated by Rev. Father O’Leary, and an impressive musical program featuring St. Mary’s Cathedral choir and a local string quartet. Notable soloists and musicians contributed to the solemnity and joy of the occasion.
However, Catholic roots in Freelton extend back nearly forty years before 1890. Early missionaries visited the area enroute from Dundas to Guelph, serving scattered Catholic families. The nearby community of Morriston, settled in the 1830s by diverse European immigrants, built a mission church in 1856, which remained active until 1910. Both Morriston and Freelton were supported by traveling priests until Freelton received its first resident pastor, Rev. William Lillis, in 1877.
The church sits on land purchased from Patrick Freel, Freelton’s namesake, for $500 in 1865. The original limestone church was hand-hewn by stonemason Dennis McCarthy, who took two years to construct it. Sadly, it burned down in 1877 due to a furnace accident. The 1890 reconstruction preserved its design, with later additions such as a ceiling painting by Steven Winter.
Through the years, numerous pastors have guided the parish, among them Rev. William Becker—who oversaw the construction of the Waterdown church and the closing of the Morriston mission. In the mid-20th century, the Marian Hall was built under Rev. Ford to host parish functions, then expanded in 1967 and again in 1971.
What began as a congregation of sixty families with reserved pews, and a single weekly mass, has grown to over 300 families today, with daily and three weekend masses serving their spiritual needs. Over its history, the church has remained the only Roman Catholic church in Freelton, Carlisle and the surrounding area, continuing its tradition of faith, community, and service.
Rev. Peter Robinson
Pastor
Angela Clayton, Parish Secretary
With a vibrant energy and exceptional skills, Angela has adeptly supported four priests during her tenure. Her proficiency shines not only in her work but also in her interactions with people. Angela is the cornerstone of our administrative team, ensuring smooth operations and fostering positive relationships.