Help Us Rebuild History at the Saint-Colomban Cemetery!

Join us in preserving the rich heritage of the Saint-Colomban Cemetery by supporting our fundraising campaign to rebuild the crumbling wall that safeguards numerous historic monuments. Together, we can ensure the protection and restoration of this sacred site for generations to come.

The Need

The existing wall supporting the monuments in the Saint-Colomban Cemetery is deteriorating, putting at risk the precious monuments that bear witness to the history of this cherished community. Without prompt intervention, these irreplaceable artifacts may be lost forever. We aim to raise $30,000 to rebuild the wall and safeguard the memory of the past.

Our Goal

With your generous contributions, we will rebuild the wall, reinforcing its structural integrity and preserving the historic monuments within its protective embrace. Your support will directly impact the preservation of this sacred space, enabling future generations to connect with their ancestors and appreciate the heritage that defines us.

Why it Matters

The Saint-Colomban Cemetery is not just a resting place for the departed but also a living testament to the cultural and historical legacy of our community. By rebuilding the wall, we are not only honoring the memory of those who came before us but also ensuring that their stories and contributions endure.

Join Us

Help us reach our $30,000 goal by making a donation today! Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact on the restoration of this sacred site. Together, let's watch the thermometer rise as we strive to rebuild history, one brick at a time.

Donate and Make a Difference

Visit our donation form to make a secure online donation. You can also contribute by sending a cheque to CIMPN at 61 rue Somerset, Baie D’Urfe, Quebec, Canada, H9X 2V8. Let's work together to rebuild the wall and preserve the remarkable legacy of the Saint-Colomban Cemetery.

Thank you for your support and for joining us in this important endeavor. Together, we can ensure that the past continues to inspire and educate future generations.

Cornelius Phelan, M.D.

SC-Irish Admin - Tue, 10/13/2020 - 14:51

Cornelius was the son of John Phelan and Mary Phelan.  Dr. Cornelius J. F. R. Phelan ( married Elidianne Gendron) was born in the parish of St. Colomban, County of Two Mountains, P.Q., May 10,1840, and received a classical education at the College of Ste. Therese. Leaving this institution, he entered the Medical Faculty of McGill University, from which he graduated with the degree of M.D., C.M., in 1865. During the College vacation of 1864, he visited the hospitals of the United States in order to perfect his knowledge of surgery. After graduating from McGill, he received his license from the Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and commenced practice at Knowlton, Que., where he remained till 1870. In January of that year he came to Waterloo, and at once established a large practice. Dr. Phelan is a studious man, of quiet habits and gentlemanly demeanour, and by rare devotion to his profession has won the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends. He has been very successful, and is often consulted by his fellow practitioners in difficult cases.  According to Father Forget of St. Columban, his daughter, Berthe Phelan was an extremely gifted woman, she married Louis Arthur Lessard in Waterloo (St. Bernardin church) June 1, 1897.

The above brief bio is from "The History of Shefford" by C. Thomas. (1877)

Another Phelan marriage was that of James Phelan, son of Martin Phelan and Mary Casey also of St. Colomban Parish, he married Bridget McGuirk, June 4, 1894 at St. Joachim de Shefford.