Sacred Heart College — The Eudists

From founding to transition

In 1894, Father J. Théophile Allard, pastor of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens parish in Caraquet, New Brunswick, began building a large stone structure opposite the parish church to serve as a rectory. His real plan, however, was to establish a school for young Acadians. His dream came true when Bishop James Rogers of Chatham approved the project, allowing the Eudist Congregation to take charge of a college in Caraquet in January 1899. In 1900, the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly incorporated Sacred Heart College and granted it university status.

As enrollment grew and the college’s reputation spread, the building became too small. A wing was added on the left in 1901, followed in 1907 by a larger right-hand wing with a magnificent chapel. Sacred Heart College seemed destined for a bright future when fire destroyed it on the night of December 30, 1915. The Eudist leadership decided to rebuild the college in Bathurst, which was more accessible by rail and road.