Do you ever get a strange, nagging feeling you just can't shake? The feeling that makes all the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The feeling that around some corner, through some window, just out of sight ... you're being watched.
Rumours have been swirling around Orillia for decades about the supernatural nature of St. Columbkille Church. Once the sun goes down, the 100-year-old stain glass windows change from eye-catching pieces of art to dark gateways that hide a shadowy gaze.
The History Of St. Columbkille Church
Founded in 1855, St. Columbkille Church was the home of Irish and Scottish immigrants fleeing famine and religious persecutions. Located in Uptergrove, the parish was the first Catholic church in the area.
In 1905, the original wooden church was razed and the cornerstone for a new brick building was laid. The steeple bell and carved benches were kept intact and used in the new church.
St. Columbkille Ghost Stories
Haunted Simcoe Part 1: St. Columbkille ChurchIs this Orillia church haunted?
Posted by Barrie 360 on Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Since it's opening in the 1950's, haunting stories have been circulated about the church.
Some believe the stories are fictional tales made up by the Irish who enjoyed creating their own legends. But eerie organ music, floating figures in the choir area and flickering candles lead others to believe the stories are true.
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One tale in particular tells of a priest who pledged he would finish a set number of sermons before leaving the church. Unfortunately, he died before reaching his goal and many believe he lingers to complete it.
There's also a lot of intrigue surrounding the graveyard.
Before a cemetery was built at a local farm, families buried their loved ones on their homesteads. As the area began to develop, those who had been buried at the farm or on family properties were moved to the cemetery at St. Columbkille. The church cemetery also contains several unknown graves.
Many speculate that the disturbed resting places have led to spirits haunting the church, unable to find their peace.
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Featured image courtesy of St. Columbkille Church via stcolumbkillesor.archtoronto.org
