Father Preston Hammill was born on October 27,1926 in Lower Freetown, the son of Redverse Hammill and Eva Dawson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Malachy's Church, Kinkora. Preston attended local public schools and St. Dunstan's College where he completed his grade 12 studies. He went on to university and took his theological studies at St. Augustine's Seminary in Toronto. Father Preston was ordained at St. Dunstan's Basilica on May 31,1952 by Bishop James Boyle of Charlottetown. He carried out his duties as assistant at St. Peter's, Seven Mile Bay and St. Dunstan's Basilica until 1963 at which time he was appointed pastor of All Saints Church in Cardigan for a period of three years. In 1966 he transferred to the neighbouring Parish of St. Mary's, Montague and remained there until 1975 when he was named in charge of St. Michael's Parish in Corran Ban. Father Hammill was then appointed to our parish in 1978 for what at that time was suppose to be for just a 1 year term. That 1 year term turned into a 7 year term. In 1985 Father Hammill was then posted to St. Alexis Parish in Rollo Bay. Father Hammill returned to our parish in 1991 for his second term as our parish priest. He was there until 1996 at which time he retired.