Saint-Joseph Parish / Shediac
Established in 1800
First church in 1859
First pastor in 1884
Shediac has always been perceived as the centre of the south-east region of New Brunswick. Natives were the first to use the Shediac River to portage between between the Northumberland Strait and the Bay of Fundy.
For some time, since early colonisation it was an important sea port transporting merchandise and passengers to the West Indies and to Europe. One of the first railway lines began here and reached Saint John, N.B. As well, the first ferries connecting Prince Edward Island to the rest of Canada sailed from here.
The Shediac region has been known for its processing of raw materials, but it is best known as a commercial centre which excelled in agriculture and developed the potato industry as well as the forestry and lumber industries.
Saint Joseph parish in Shediac began in 1800. The first Catholic chapel was built in 1859 and was replaced by the first church in 1872. The first resident priest, Fr. Antoine Ouellet, arrived later, in 1884. With the help of the Immaculate Conception Sisters of Saint John, N.B., the Saint Anne Convent was built three years later.
Even though Shediac was first known for its beaches, it offered more. In the Summer, as well as in Winter, there were also cultural, musical, social, and sporting activities to entertain residents and visitors alike.
As early as 1949, the town invited people to celebrate with them at the first Lobster Festival which has become an annual event usually held in July.
In 2003, Shediac celebrated two important anniversaries: a bicentennial and a centennial. The first celebrated the 1803 arrival of the first families. The second celebrated the incorporation of the town on January 7, 1903, by L. J. Tweedie, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick. Shediac’s first mayor was Dr. Lucien J. Belliveau.