St. Michael's Cemetery Project Committee (a committee of the St. Mary's & The Missions Cemetery Board) have embarked on an exciting project at the site of the former St. Michael's Parish Church and the adjacent pioneer and active cemeteries in Grey County's Irish Block. St. Michael's Cemetery is a treasured place that needs to be protected, cared for and preserved. In the last few years the old fence has fallen down and this has resulted in some vandalism at the grotto and sacred grounds leaving the area vulnerable and unprotected. There is an enthusiastic spirit to build a proper iron fence to protect the legacy of the original ancestors and those who have chosen the cemetery as their final resting place.

In 1937 the Irish Block congregation published a history booklet that covered the period of 1847 – 1937. The St. Michael's Cemetery Project Committee will be compiling a history book of the Irish Block Catholic Community from 1937 to present and are requesting and will be gathering stories and pictures related to the churches' activities during this time period.

A celebration to commemorate the 170 year history of the Irish Block community is planned for the summer of 2018 bringing together many of the families and friends of the former St. Michael's Parish. More information about the celebration will be available closer to the date of the event. 

Fundraising efforts are underway to raise $35,000.00 for the St. Michael's Cemetery Project. The Committee is eager to reach as many people as possible with a connection to the area that may be interested in supporting the project.

If anyone is interested in contributing to the project or for more information please contact Michael Traynor, Chair, St. Michael's Cemetery Project Committee at 519-376-8791 or [email protected]