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or more often if occasion called for it. In later years, a separate parish was established. After that, a resident priest could hold services every Sunday. While the St. Thomas church was under construction a Methodist church was also being built, completed in 1887. Its ministers likewise traveled by horse to hold services, coming to Helmville from Drummond. While St. Thomas remains a cornerstone in the community, it’s unfortunate that the original church building is no more to be seen, having burned down in 1948. Geary Merchantile also burned and the family donated the land for a new church. The present church was built in 1950, across the street from the old one. Vignettes of Helmville and life in the vicinity, as related by some of its oldtimers “ Christmas Meat” by: Charles M. Russell 141