In 1886 there were 69 Catholic families in the "parish" and the need of a permanent church was obvious. The people decided to build. In choosing a site for the new church. Father Fay looked south from the waterfront, up the slopes of the uncut forest, and pointed to the tallest tree. The land was acquired and a wooden church was built. Records indicate that the first Mass was said in it on Rosary Sunday, 1889. It was later enlarged and a bell tower was built.