Providence Flashbacks

The Gate House

The Gate House

BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST This photograph shows the entrance to Heathfield property in the early 1900s, which is now the home of Providence Motherhouse. The gatehouse (visible on the left) was demolished in October 1968 when the driveway was widened to...

Construction of the Greenhouse

Construction of the Greenhouse

BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST The Greenhouse was designed and built by Maintenance staff, over the winter of 1998-1999, onto the back of the Garage, on the grounds of Providence Motherhouse in Kingston. The Greenhouse was constructed using old windows from a wing...

Profession days

Profession days

BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST In the history of the Sisters of Providence there have been many profession days in March when Postulants received the habit, Novices made first profession, and Junior Professed Sisters made final profession. These were often grand...

50th Anniversary of the blessing of the Providence Motherhouse chapel

50th Anniversary of the blessing of the Providence Motherhouse chapel

BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST January 11th was the 50th anniversary of the blessing of the chapel at Providence Motherhouse. The photo below shows how the chapel looked when it opened in 1969.It was renovated in 1992-1993. The photo at the right (bottom) shows what...

November 11th, 1918

November 11th, 1918

BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST   This year November 11th marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The Congregational annals, which in 1918 cover life at the House of Providence in Kingston, and the annals of St. Mark’s Convent in Prescott record...

A Game of Hide and Seek

A Game of Hide and Seek

BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST Here is a funny story from the Congregational Annals of the Sisters of Providence: November 5th, 1970 - An amusing incident occurred this afternoon. A lady from an apartment house which borders on our property telephoned that she saw...

Teaching in Lancaster

Teaching in Lancaster

BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST The Sisters of Providence taught in Lancaster Ontario from 1923 to 1937. They lived in a cement house, known as St. Joseph’s Convent. The Sisters found it very cold in winter, telling of how they had to wear cloak and gloves to Morning...

Summer at Marillac Villa

Summer at Marillac Villa

BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST Every summer the Sisters go to the cottage. Here are few fun images from the 1950s of Sisters of Providence at Marillac Villa on Howe Island:Shining shoes – July 1959Enjoying the shoreline – July 1957Catch of the DayAn afternoon on the...

Movies at the Motherhouse

Movies at the Motherhouse

BY VERONICA STIENBURG, ARCHIVIST The Congregational Annals document the major events in the congregation’s history, but they also document smaller happenings in the Sisters’ lives, including what movies the sisters watched. Here are some excerpts from the Annals:...