Canadian architect Joseph Connolly designed it in the Gothic Revival style.

In 1968 the parish erected the Tower of History as a shrine to the Catholic missionaries who served the community.

[5] It was designed to be a part of a larger complex that was to include a community center and a new church edifice.

Parish priorities changed and the structure was sold to Sault Historic Sites in 1980, which continues to operate it.

St. Mary's School re-opened in 1993 and serves students from preschool through eighth grade.