August 15: St. Boniface and St. Mary's cathedrals, Donald Bain; Anglican Synod

August 15, 1906 - Archbishop Langevin blesses the cornerstone of a new St. Boniface Basilica. It was destroyed by fire in 1968 but the facade remains standing.

August 15, 1890 - The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada is created in Winnipeg. The Synod held its first meeting in Toronto in 1893.

August 15, 1962 - Winnipeg athlete, businessman and volunteer Donald H. Bain dies in Winnipeg. Bain was a successful sportsman, provincial champ in everything from cycling to figure skating. He was also a centreman for the Winnipeg Victorias when they won the Stanley Cup in 1896 and 1901.

In business, he owned Donald H. Bain Ltd, a successful grocery wholesaler with branches throughout the West. He also volunteered with numerous community organizations from country clubs to the Shriners and was the life governor of the Winnipeg General Hospital.

When he died at age 88 he left part of his 932 hectare property at Delta Marsh to the U of M as a research field house.

August 15, 1880 - Archbishop Taché lays the cornerstone for St. Mary's Cathedral. In 1896 Samuel Hooper was hired to redesign the facade and add the bell tower.