Discover Woolwich: Maryhill’s history

Three specific topics offer a glimpse into Maryhill’s history: its school, parish, and cemetery. The Catholic St. Boniface School was built in 1898 and is the oldest operating Roman Catholic school in the Waterloo Region. St. Boniface Parish has existed since 1834; its present-day church was officially opened on November 10, 1878. The parish’s history therefore predates the opening of the present-day church, while the school, built later, offers a different perspective on local history.

Comparing the school building and parish over time

The school’s architectural description is also specific: a section of yellow brick construction measures 36 by 64 feet, has two stories, and rests on a raised fieldstone foundation. The construction date, measurements, number of stories, and materials offer different points of reference for understanding the school building’s history and architecture. The size given applies to the described brick section.

The parish is among the oldest in this part of Ontario. Its long history and the official opening of the present-day church in 1878 are distinct historical points of reference: one refers to the parish’s existence since 1834, the other to the opening of the current church building. This highlights a clear contrast in Maryhill’s history between a parish established in 1834 and a school built in 1898.

The Old Walled Cemetery: cultural history and geology

The Old Walled Cemetery, also known as St. Boniface Cemetery, offers a different focus. Its stone wall was built between 1862 and 1863. The cemetery’s iron crosses and stone slabs illustrate the German-Alsatian origins of Maryhill’s settlers. Alongside the history of its buildings and church, this brings the settlement’s cultural roots into view.

The wall can also be viewed from a geological perspective. Its stones include pebbles of Paleozoic and Precambrian age; they are also examples of quartzite. Some of these stones contain stromatolites. This links the wall’s construction date to a very different timescale: the years 1862 and 1863 refer to when it was built, while the geological description concerns the age and type of certain stones. For travelers interested in cultural and geological history, this combination offers a different perspective from the histories of the school and parish.

Finding your way around Maryhill

Two named facilities are also useful landmarks: Maryhill Park is at 58 St. Charles Street. Maryhill Soccer Field is located at 58 St. Charles St. E. For specific plans, it is worth checking the latest information: details about the park and the condition and access of the soccer field may vary.

The historical topics can be explored according to your interests: the school and parish offer insights into educational and religious history, while the Old Walled Cemetery connects Maryhill’s origins with distinctive rocks. These offer different aspects to learn more about before your trip to Woolwich.

Discover more destinations: Kitchener, Waterloo, Elmira, St. Jacobs, Cambridge.

For the broader travel overview: Waterloo Regional Municipality.