Draft:Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church (Kingston, Ontario)

Holy Name of Jesus Church in Kingston, Ontario, Canada is a Roman Catholic church in the Archdiocese of Kingston. The church has a history dating back to its establishment in the mid-19th century and serves as a significant religious and community centre in the area.

Early years
The original mission church of the Holy Name of Jesus was built around 1846, constructed from logs and situated one mile north of the current church location on Highway 15. This area was known as Cushendall or Kingston Mills. Parishioners from surrounding areas, including Aragon Road, Mount Chesney, and Glenburnie, often traveled across the Rideau Canal to attend Mass, especially during the winter months.

Establishment of the parish
In 1886, Edward and Jane Bradden donated land for a new church and rectory. Designed by architect Joseph Connolly, construction began shortly after, using stone quarried locally. The construction of the church started in June 1887 with Archbishop Cleary laying the cornerstone and it was completed in October 1888. The church bell, donated by Patrick Dean of Brewers Mills, was blessed by Archbishop Cleary on June 5, 1899. The Stations of the Cross were also erected at this time.

Growth and development
The mission became an official parish in 1896, with Reverend J.P. Kehoe serving as the first pastor followed by Reverend J.J. Collins in 1899. In 1900, the League of the Sacred Heart was established. Archbishop C. H. Gauthier blessed the church's stained glass windows on March 2, 1902, with a special window commemorating Father Higgins above the altar.

Mid-20th Century
Reverend W. T. Kingsley served as pastor from 1907 to 1924. In 1924, Reverend Alexander Fowler, the first priestly vocation from the parish, was ordained. The Catholic Women's League was established in 1925. Reverend D.A. Casey served from 1924 until his retirement in 1953. Reverend Thomas J. Raby succeeded him, overseeing significant community developments, including the construction of a convent for the Sisters of St. Martha who began teaching at Holy Name School in 1957.

Late 20th Century to present
Reverend Justin J. Hanley served from 1969 to 1983, during which time a new Holy Name School was built. Reverend James F. McGarvey followed, overseeing the addition of a new entrance and wheelchair ramp to the church. Subsequent pastors included Father Richard Racine, who purchased the convent from the Sisters of St. Martha, and Father Richard Whalen, who continued the work of vocational promotion and major repairs.

Father Timothy Shea, appointed in 1998, initiated a special Jubilee 2000 project to support the poor. The parish saw further leadership changes with Rev. Cosmas Ajawara (2008-2009), Rev. John Gillis (2009), and the current Pastor Rev. Wieslaw Chochrek (2011).

In 2016/17, a new synthetic slate roof was installed to complement the church's historic architecture.

Architecture
The church, designed by Joseph Connolly (architect) and constructed with locally quarried stone, reflects a blend of traditional and local architectural styles. It is an excellent example of a gothic revival church. Significant architectural features include its stained glass windows including a rose window in the west front of the church, the bell blessed in 1899, and the recent addition of a synthetic slate roof.

Community and activities
Holy Name of Jesus Parish is known for its strong community involvement, including the establishment of the Knights of Columbus in 1996, the Catholic Women's League, and various community outreach programs.

Notable figures

 * Reverend Bernard J. Higgins: The first in charge of the original mission church.
 * Reverend J.P. Kehoe: The first pastor of the established parish.
 * Reverend Alexander Fowler: The first priestly vocation from the parish.
 * Reverend D.A. Casey: Long-serving pastor and editor of local Catholic publications.
 * Reverend Thomas J. Raby: Oversaw significant community developments and brought the Sisters of St. Martha to the parish.