Parish of Christ the King - Oliver
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A Brief History on Christ the King Parish

(adapted from 2003 compilation by former parishioner Elizabeth Minns)

PictureSketch of former church on Fairview Road
In the spring of 1931 the first Mass was celebrated in the home of Mortimer Sebastian (Paddy) Kelleher by Father W.J. Cullinan, a young oblate priest. Ten people took part in that historic occasion.

The congregation grew rapidly in numbers and a much larger accommodation was needed. In the spring of 1934 three lots were purchased on Fairview Road (across from the present post office).

In May 1934, the first new little church was ready for occupancy and free of debt. In the following years, the local congregation kept growing at a steady rate prompting the need for a bigger church. In 1947 the church was extended and in 1948 the front was brought out and two towers added. On the same property a hall was built and opened on May 3rd, 1949. Here all the social and fund raising events were held.

As the years went by, the catholic community in Oliver kept growing in numbers. Also it was evident that time had taken its toll on our restructured church building. There was a definite need for a new and more adequate place of worship. In I996, the parish purchased our current present 2.5 acre property  off of Spartan  Street. From then onwards there was a big push in the parish towards the fulfilling of our dream for a new church.

The fundraising efforts brought in amounts of money sufficient enough to seek permission from Bishop Eugene Cooney, to start the building project. On September 8th, 2002, Bishop Eugene Cooney presided over the ground breaking ceremony. Construction began a month later.

On May 1st, 2003 - the old church building was sold and subsequently converted into a multi-unit commercial building that currently houses a popular gelataria. The last Mass was held in the Fairview Road church on Sunday, April 27th, 2003. For the past 32 years this church has served us well but now it was time to move on, and to move into the beautiful new church located on Spartan Street. 

During the early years, resident pastors lived in a lean-to room at the back of the sacristy. In 1945 the parish bought a small house, which was renovated and furnished for Fr. Downey.

In September of 1975, work on a new rectory began, and by April 1, 1976 Fr. Clement was able to move into the new house and call it his home. Today’s rectory on Saint Martin’s Place was purchased in 2008. The former rectory was sold a year later and is currently used by Interior Health Authority as an adult residence and daycare facility.

Priests assigned to serve Christ the King Parish:
1931-1934 – Fr. W.J. Cullinan
1934-1937 – Fr. P. J. Collins
1937-1938 – Fr. A. J. Mcintyre
1938-1939 – Fr. Edward A. Brophy
1939-1945 – Fr. F. 0. Labrake
1945-1967 – Fr. C. W. Downey
1967-1975 – Fr. Dermot Cullen
1976-1985 – Fr. Clement St. Jacques
1985-1986 – Fr. McDonald
1986-1987 – Fr. Paul Pornbacher
1987-1999 – Fr. Martin Bettin
1999-2005 – Fr. Dave De Souza
2005-2008 – Fr. Garry Igot
2008-2009 – Fr. Gabriel Chinnaperiannan
2009-2011 – Fr. Sebastian Puthenpura
2011-2012 – Br. Gerald Craig
2013-2017 – Fr. Neil Lustado
2017-present 
– Fr. Dominique Trinh Do 
Interested in more History?

Click here to check out the history of our Altars at Christ the king Church
( 250-498-3934
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