Father Petour, OMI, was known as OSAWAKEYSIS, or Red Fox to the Aboriginals for his red hair and beard. He was the man who spear-headed the Catholic Mission in Mirror Landing/Smith.
In late 1920, Bishop Emile Grouard, OMI, Apostolic Vicar of Athabasca, granted Father Petour permission to purchase a plot of land and building at Mirror Landing. They counted on the faithful to establish the Mission as an outpost of Sawridge. It was not long before James Cornwall, Manager of the Northern Transportation Company stepped up as benefactor. Consequently the Mission received the name of Saint James the Major.
This first church was built by Joseph Holden, a pioneer from England, and his sons. It was a log structure that served as a place of worship and lodging for visiting Priests. The most illustrious of these was Bishop Grouard, who more than once, climbed into the attic for a few hours rest before continuing on to Slave Lake.
The original log church was replaced in 1954 and after years of disuse was moved to Mosquito Lake Museum, where it stands today.