In 1938, a Catholic Church was only a dream for Father L. Kennedy and Ned Biagi. Fr. Kennedy was the priest who came from Bancroft, to celebrate Mass on Sunday and special occasions. Masses were held in private homes, mostly at Ned Biagi's. But as the congregation grew, the need for a permanent church did too. So plans were made. Ned Biagi donated the lot and lumber and the Italian community pulled together.

On June 13, 1938, construction began. Eight workers worked full-time for three weeks. Others spent what spare time they had doing what they could. The men who built the Church were: Ned Biagi, Joe Carducci, Art Luna, Harry Luna, Agusto Tannellotto, Bruno Tiberi, Frank Salvatori, Armando Salvatori, Ulisse Cerchie, Gulio Ricci, Eugene Formica, Frank Biagi, Mike Biagi and Peter Dollo. Along with these fine men, worked two Irishmen, Fr. Kennedy and the railroad stationman, Gord Tobin.

The name of the Church was chosen when Fr. Kennedy checked the church calendar and found that June 13 was the feast day of St. Anthony, who was known for helping the needy and the poor. 

The first Sunday mass was celebrated July 16th, 1938. Fr. Kennedy served the parish until 1957. Then Fr. H.J. Maloney took over the duties.

Frank and Gina Salvatori's son, Evo Vincent, was the first baby to be baptized in the church. Armando and Mary Salvatori's daughter, Nelda, and Peter Gorlman, were the first couple to be married in the small church of St. Anthony.

Over the years the building evolved, as did it's visitors, with an addition built in 1957 to meet the demand of a growing congregation.

So, a final mass was delivered in 1981 and shortly after the original church building was demolished.

Throughout the construction  phase, Catholics worshiped at nearby churches where they were welcomed.

St. Anthony's was rebuilt with elements from the original building, including the original bell and Stations of the Cross. Once completed, the first mass was held on May 16th, 1982 and the official Church opening was held on July 18th, 1982. On September 18th, 1982, Bonnie Dunford and Terry O'Brien were the first couple to be married in the new building with Fr. H.J. Maloney presiding.

Since then, we have established a strong faith community consisting of local residents and also seasonal residents that has kept this Church going, and hopefully for many more years to come.