News & Events

David Anderson

The final stabilization work is complete and the survival of this place for our people is assured. In all, $1,5000,000 was expended on the finely-engineered project. The proceeds of the annual Msgr. D. B. McDougald Tartan Golf Tournament held on the Thursday prior to the Glengarry Highland Games, as well as concerts, memorial plaque donations and visitor contributions, allow for our on-going expenses such as taxes and insurance. We hope to start a contingency fund to be prepared for future maintenance of the walls. For Glengarrians far and near, and indeed,for all visitors, the great stone walls of St. Raphaels will continue to remind and inspire.

*UPDATE – February 2017*
We’re pleased to announce that the Ruins are now available for wedding ceremonies, as well as wedding photos. For more information, or to inquire about the availability of your date please contact Diana as indicated below.

We have had several inquiries asking to hold a wedding in the Ruins. We agree with all who asked that it is a beautiful site for such a ceremony (unless it rains!) but the Ruins follow the same policy as the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall which states that marriage ceremonies must be held in a church. No wedding of any denomination may be held in the Ruins. Photo sessions can be booked. For this we ask a minimum donation of $50 which will go into our maintenance fund.

The donation is sent to Diana Sturkenboom,
Friends of the Ruins,
Box 190,
Williamstown, K0C 2J0

Contact Diana at 613-347-2352 if you wish more information.

Now you can see the ruins from your computer – although nothing stirs the heart like a trip to the Ruins themselves!

We have added several photos of the ruins in a photo gallery. The photos include interior and exterior shots, including an example of the stabilization work.