While there has been a Catholic church here since 1814, this cemetery was established later, in 1843. The first Catholic cemetery at Indian River,
Indian River Pioneer Roman Catholic Cemetery, was established two years prior to the construction of the first Catholic, in 1812, about a mile to the west. It was in use until the construction of the 1843 church, at which time this cemetery was begun. Though the cemetery is well over a century and a half old, this gateway arch, and the fence around the cemetery, are quite new. In fact, there's a good chance that the arch itself was only a year or two old when we visited, the fence several years older. The arch is supported by square steel posts and consists of a steel plate, or sheet, with the name, ST. MARY'S CEMETERY, in raised letters. As well as the cemetery name, the date of its establishment, 1843, appears below the name.
In a rural and pastoral setting, this Roman Catholic church is nothing if not striking. It is well worth a drive in the country to visit. You may even find it open, allowing viewing of the magnificent interior. St. Mary’s was designated a Province of Prince Edward Island Heritage Place in November, 11, 2011. No longer a Catholic Church, it was decommissioned by the Roman Catholic diocese in September 2009 and purchased by the Indian River Festival in 2010. On the opening of the 2011 Indian River Festival a certificate and provincial heritage plaque were presented, making its status official.
This is the third Roman Catholic church to occupy this site, the first being in use from 1814 until being torn down to make room for a larger one in 1843. That church existed until August 4, 1896, when it fell victim to lightning and burned.