Historic Sites of Manitoba: St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church (255 Stafford Street, Winnipeg)

Link to:
Clerics | Photos & Coordinates | Sources

The foundation and basement for this Roman Catholic church at the intersection of Stafford Street and Corydon Avenue in Winnipeg was constructed by contractor William James Lailey in 1911. Lacking the funds to construct the entire building, the congregation covered the basement with a roof and held services there until the stone church building was completed in 1929. An opening service was held on 10 February 1929.

An associated elementary school opened in January 1912.

Clerics

Period	Cleric
1908	Lewis Henry Drummond (1848-1929)
1908-1914	John Coffee
1914-1934	Edward T. O'Gara
1934-1938	Joseph Primeau
1938-1939	Raymond Cadwallader - Acting
1939-1947	Erle Reddin
1947-1953	Roderick “Rod” MacGilvray (c1900-1964)
1953-1961	Vincent Shaughnessy (1912-1961)
1961-1963	Daniel H. McLarnon
1963-1966	S. W. Robert “Bob” Chase
1966-1971	Gerald P. McGinnis
1971-1973	Alf Colliard
1973-1976	Elmer MacGillivray
1976-1991	Robert Foliot
1991-2001	Eric Jensen
2001-2009	Brian “Buzz” Massie (1943-2009)

Photos & Coordinates

St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church (October 2017) Source: George Penner Aerial view of St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church (June 2024) Source: George Penner Interior of St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church (October 2017) Source: George Penner Site Location (lat/long): N49.86748, W97.16126 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Memorable Manitobans: William James “Jim” Lailey (1879-1951)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: St. Ignatius School (239 Harrow Street, Winnipeg)

Sources:

“New St. Ignatius church to open,” Winnipeg Tribune, 9 February 1929, page 26.

“St. Ignatius pastor dies at 49 years [Vincent Shaughnessy],” Winnipeg Tribune, 17 June 1961.

“River Heights priest dies suddenly at 64,” Winnipeg Tribune, 30 October 1964.

History and Centennial History, St. Ignatius Parish.

We thank Lois Braun for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and George Penner.

Page revised: 19 October 2025

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!