Christian Island - A Few Historical Notes

The Island was once called Ahoendoe (1600-1620), St. Joseph Island (1626), and Christian Island (1650).  It has been suggested that the Island was re-named “Christian Island” in respect for those who died of starvation on the Island rather than give up their Christian Faith.

It is the site of Sainte-Marie II, to which 17 Jesuit priests and several hundred Hurons escaped after setting flame to Sainte-Marie I, subsequent to the martyrdoms of St. Jean de Brébeuf and St. Gabriel Lalemant in 1649.  Here 200 Hurons died of scurvy and starvation before all fled to Quebec City. 

In 1856 the Ojibwe moved to what is now known as Christian Island.  Here they form the Christian Island Reserve.  It is almost entirely an Ojibway Nation, and its members are classified as the Chippewas of Beausoleil.  In Ojibwe it is called G’Chimnissing.

Hydro came to the Island in 1954.  The Ferry Boat was launched in 1961.  The Bell Telephone system was brought to the island in 1965.  In the beginning farming, lumber and fishing were the main industries.  Later a pheasant industry and a charcoal industry successfully did business from the Island.  Now, most people travel off the Island to finish their education, to work and to shop.

There has been a United (Methodist) Church on the Island since 1856.  From the very beginning, the United Church Ministers also taught in the school.  The first Roman Catholic Church, St. Francis Xavier Church, was built in 1894.  It was a frame church built by Mr. John Copegog.  A new church was built to replace the aging structure, while Fr. Carl Matthews, SJ was the pastor. It was solemnly dedicated by Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic on June 17, 1999.

There is a lighthouse on Christian Island.  It is one of the first lighthouses erected on Georgian Bay. On Georgian Bay near Christian Island many shipwrecks have taken place.

Since the 1950’s some sites on the Island have been leased to cottagers. Access to the Island is by ferry.  Winter access can be difficult.  When the Bay freezes over the car ferry is sometimes not able to make the crossing.  The smaller but stronger Indian Maiden, with its ice-breaking abilities, sometimes makes the crossing.  At other times, a scoot or hovercraft is used, and sometimes skidoo travel is possible.

For further reading:

“Ahoendoe: The Story of an Island 1600-1967”

Compiled by Sr. L. Trautman, Sr. A. O’Connor, and Students & Parents of Christian Island