Avondale: Heading north on Route 60 the first community one comes to is Avondale, still located in the southern part of Conception Bay, it is 58 km (36 mi) from St. John's.

Avondale was originally known as one of many "Salmon Coves", in this case Salmon Cove South, Avondale was named after Avondale, Ireland, by Rev. John Roe, upon his arrival from Ireland in 1897 (i.e., it is a "transfer name", a common find in this part of the island).

He suggested that the area reminded him so much of a similar spot where he was born. Local lore has nicknamed the town the "Home of the Disappearing Church".

The following comes from the ENL.com website: Its reputation stems from long ago when fishermen rowing or sailing into the harbour used the Assumption Church on the hill as a navigational aid, as many out ports did of there own churches.

These men swore the church seemed to disappear, then reappear as they neared shore.

Even today, it is said while driving along the old Conception Bay Highway from St. John's to Avondale, there are times when the church on the hill disappears behind an identical hill with no church, then just as quickly comes back into view atop the original hill.

Population in 2016 was 641, a slight increase of 0.85 over the 636 of 2011.

Used with permission from "Uncovering the Origin of 1001 Unique Place Names in Newfoundland and Labrador" 2021 Jennifer Leigh Hill

Address of this page: http://nl.ruralroutes.com/AvondaleNL