Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption
The Pro-cathedral of the Assumption ('Pro' meaning ‘in place of’) is a historical Catholic church in the city of North Bay, Ontario. The white limestone building, built in 1905, speaks to the history of the city as well as a strong faith community that came together to construct a building of impressive scale and craft for the small city in Northern Ontario. The tall church is a landmark, holding a central role as a gathering place, not only for the city, but also for the entire diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. History St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish The first physical church of North Bay can be dated back to 1886, when a small white chapel was built on Main Street West. The new chapel, known as St. Mary's of the Lake, quickly became a central point for the community. The bell was used as a fire alarm as well as a gathering call for important town meetings, while the upper part of the sacristy doubled as a school room. Due to an influx in population caused by the expansion of the Canadian Pacific Railway, St. Mary's of the Lake quickly became inadequate for the growing community. New church The