Saint Mary’s Church in Church Point, Nova Scotia is set to be demolished. Photo: Municipality of Clare.
A historic Nova Scotia church, once a centrepiece of Acadian culture, is set for demolition after years of uncertainty.
Saint Mary’s Church in Church Point, known as Église Sainte-Marie, was built in 1905 and is recognized as one of the largest wooden churches in North America.
For over a decade, the community worked to preserve the landmark as attendance declined and repair costs soared. The estimated $10 million needed for restoration proved insurmountable, especially with fundraising hindered by the pandemic and inflation.
The 15,000-square-foot church, deconsecrated in 2019, was officially listed for sale over a year ago but failed to attract viable buyers.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth has confirmed that its deteriorating state, coupled with harsh winter weather, has made the building unsafe.
Efforts to save the church included a society dedicated to its preservation and a brief promise of help from an anonymous benefactor, but these attempts ultimately fell short.
The Municipality of Clare, which previously ordered the removal of the church’s spire for safety reasons, sent out a statement this week acknowledging the emotional and cultural loss this demolition represents.
