This week, 82 years ago, the relatively new St. Anthony’s of Padua Church on Rossland Avenue suffered severe damage after a fire erupted in the rear of the building.
Built in 1938, the church of Catholic denomination was a much-needed space of worship for the rapidly growing Italian community.
Designed by William F. Williams of Nelson in a style reminiscent of Romanesque revival, it is said that nearly all Italians in Trail attended the church once it opened, when only a small percentage of them attended the 280-seat St. Francis in the downtown core.
The need in the Gulch was significant, as Italian immigration would boom in the decade following the Second World War.
The parish was blessed by a generous congregation, who helped build and fund the church, including the massive 800-pound bronze bell that rang those solemn overtones.
The first mass was celebrated on Christmas Eve in 1938.
The following spring, the Franciscan Fathers assumed responsibility for parish administration and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace from New Jersey arrived to begin Catholic school and catechism.
Kindergarten was taught in the basement, with 120 students enrolled in the first catechism classes.
Other groups, like the Catholic Women’s League, the Society of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Knights of Columbus, and various youth groups all made an impact on the parish and its parishioners.
The disastrous fire struck less than five years after it opened. It broke out in the sacristy, the space behind the altar where a priest prepares for mass.
Records indicate the fire hydrants were frozen that January, which prevented the fire department from dousing it sooner.
It spread quickly up the building and consumed the roof, which eventually collapsed on the interior.
The bell sustained a large crack due to the heat. It never sounded the same again and wasn’t repaired until 1983.
It now sits outside of Holy Trinity Parish in East Trail, an early Trail artifact that chimes for a new generation of residents.
Despite being in the throes of a world war, the congregation rallied and raised funds to rebuild.
Mass was held at the Colombo Lodge for the next eight months and the church reopened on Oct. 3, 1943.
The beautiful memorial stained glass windows began to appear soon after.
Smelter painters Joe Bomben and Allister Repton were responsible for the paint work, honouring deceased family members of parishioners.
Any one in the church on a sunny day will remember the soft red and green glow that shone down on the pews, as if spirits of departed loved ones were tangible and within reach.
A paint restoration project, led by Kenny Turner, was completed on the windows in 2000.
When the diocese sold the building in 2018, the new owners lovingly removed each of the 63 memorial windows and contacted descendants of those listed.
They were offered back to the families for a nominal fee.
The museum was fortunate to receive windows from Grant Lenarduzzi, honouring his grandparents, and Don Nutini, honouring his parents.
Members of the Gattafoni family, led by recently departed Gord Gattafoni, generously funded the construction of a new back-lit exhibition case to showcase these windows, and the three they donated, as they were intended.
Now a private business, the former St. Anthony’s retains the same architectural charm as it did when first built in 1938.
Did you ever attend a mass, celebration, or event at St. Anthony’s?
Share your memories with us!
Sarah Benson-Lord manages the Trail Museum and Archives and Visitor Centre.
