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The members of the Monument
Committee lost no time in entering upon the duties, for which they had
been appointed. They decided that the Monument should be of Scotch
granite, and in the form of a Celtic cross with an inscription setting
forth the object, which it was intended to commemorate. In making this
selection they showed a due appreciation of the fitness of things, for it
was indeed appropriate that the Monument raised to the memory of the
pioneers, should be brought from the land, from which they themselves had
come, and should be in the form of a cross to symbolize the Faith, for the
sake of which they made so many sacrifices. Accordingly plans were secured
from Mr. J. M. Hunter, Architect, of Charlottetown, and the contract
placed with Sir James Taggart of Aberdeen, Scotland, who in the execution
of the same fully sustained the reputation of his well known
establishment. The monument completed and ready to be put up arrived at
Scotchfort towards the end of June, in ample time for the celebration.
In the meantime a plot of
land, embracing the site of the little log Church erected by the pioneers
at Scotchfort, was purchased from Mr. John A. McDonald, and here the
Monument was duly placed in position, and left suitably draped awaiting
the ceremony of its unveiling.
Near at hand a place was
prepared for the open air Mass, whilst round about booths were erected
wherein meals would be served, and other refreshments provided to meet the
needs of the people, who were expected to honour the occasion by their
presence. The preparations throughout were on an elaborate scale, the
various Committees did their work with a full sense of responsibility, and
it seemed as if nothing were left wanting to make the occasion, one that
would linger long in memory.
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