Our Lady of Mercy Church

The most direct route to Our Lady of Mercy Church is to take Route 460 from Stephenville. You will cross over The Gravels to reach Port-au-Port Peninsula. Instead of following Route 460 to your left, drive straight up the hill. The church is about 1 km up on your left.

The museum and church were closed at the time of our visit since we were in off season. Nevertheless it was amazing to see a wooden church of this size in such a small community. It is the largest wooden building in Newfoundland. Construction began in 1914, with every man and young male capable of working, expected to donate a weeks labour each year to the project. The church was completed in 1925. The interior is filled with craftmanship of the local people, gifts to the church and imported religious items. Restoration is ongoing.

Interpretive Sign:

1914-1925

A remarkable essay in Renaissance Revival Architecture with a superbly preserved interior, Our Lady of Mercy is one of the largest, as well as one of the finest of Newfoundland’s wooden churches. It was designed by one of the country’s most important architects, W.F. Butler.