A portrait of Moncton’s past (transcript)

Moncton’s history began in 1735 when the Acadians settled along the Petitcodiac River. After the deportation of 1755, Moncton remained empty for the next 11 years.

Families from New England soon arrived and formed what is now know as Moncton. The name originates from Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Monckton, a British soldier, who helped defeat the French at Fort Beausejour.

Moncton has grown out of the shipbuilding of the 1800′s and the establishment of the Intercolonial Railway. It was officially

established in 1875 when it was incorporated as a town.

In 1883, the Baptist Church built a hall to be used as a Sunday school. It was expanded in the 1920′s and used as a school until the late 1970′s.

It was sold and used for many different purposes until 2005 when it became Moncton’s largest Mosque. It has been serving Moncton’s growing Muslim population ever since.

Moncton built the first stand-alone hospital in the area in 1903. An addition was added in 1930 to accommodate the growing population and need. The land and building was donated by Michael Spurr Harris, a local businessman and shipbuilder.

In 1956, the building was given to the Sisters Congregation of Notre-Dame du Sacre Coeur. It has been used for religious, educational, and community services ever since.

The Highfield Street water pumping station was one of a kind when it was built by The Canada Foundry Company in 1913. It serviced the area full time until the 1980′s when it was replaced to service the growing expansion of the city’s geographical limits. It was designated a Water Landmark in 1983 by the American Water Works Association.

Moncton High School was built in 1934 and was considered one of the most modern high schools of its time. With a separate gymnasium, cafeteria and sports track, it was among the most prestigious in the Maritimes. It was built during the height of the great depression and was considered a symbol of the province’s commitment to the education of New Brunswickers.

Considered an architectural wonder in 1961, The Eglise Christ Roi signifies the influence Acadian design and culture has had on the city. Ceramic tile work by renowned Quebec artist Jordi Bonet graces the entrance way and halls of this modern structure. Sloping roofs and large windows gives this church a modern day museum feel. It is an example of the diversity of Moncton’s history both in language and architecture.

All historic photos used by permission from the Moncton Museum Collection, Provincial Archives of NB and Moncton High School.

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Posted by Jason Murray on Nov 11, 2009. Filed under Transcripts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.