Christ the King Parish was founded at the initiative of Bishop Anthony Jordan, OMI in 1954 and placed under the direction of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The first chapel and living quarters were in a trailer near Hospital Beach. Church services were held in the work camp recreation hall of the Smeltersite and in the school gymnasiums in town.
At the urging of Bishop O’Grady, St. Anthony’s School was built in 1957. A covered play area was closed in and became the Parish Church for the next 30 years. In 1984 land was purchased and a site was chosen for a new Church. The present church was opened in 1986, on the Feast of Christ the King and was dedicated in a solemn ceremony in May 1987.
The Parish school, St. Anthony’s, is certified by the Ministry of Education and supports over 200 students from Kindergarten to Grade 7 with a staff of qualified teachers. The school is governed by an elected school council and is part of the Catholic Independent Schools of the Diocese of Prince George, which is a member of the Federation of Independent Schools Association (FISA) in the province of BC. A very active parent support group is part of school life.
The Parish numbers approximately 800 families. Some families have been here from the very beginning and have established their homes and raised their families here. They have helped build this community and this parish. We hope you will find your home among us.
