Eglise Sante-Marie Catholic Church, Church Point Nova Scotia

[johntwo]

Drove past this imposing building and just had to turn around to have a look.  It turns out that apart from the foundation, it is entirely made from wood.  Designed by Artur Renault (of Rennes, France) for the then Arcadian community, it was built starting in 1903, by some 1500 parishioners under the guidance of Master Carpenter Leo Malinson.  The inside is more like a cathedral than a church.  When I expressed my surprise to the curate sat  at te head of the aisle, that a building so impressive was entirely wooden, he tapped the offertory bowl in front of him and said "...so you will understand how expensive it is to maintain".  Sad therefore, to see a recent final note added to the wikipedia entry for the church stating that due to falling attendances and the need for significant restoration, the final service had been held there on Christmas Eve 2019.  I clearly didn't leave enough in the bowl.

(Much improved in Litebox)

                                                                                    

                                                                                                           

[Clicker]

I can see what made you stop and get  a photograph John... So It's the tallest wooden spire in North America .... You should have felt quite at home  then  as I  see Preston has the tallest  parish Church Steeple  in England  with St.Walburge's Catholic Church ... 

It's an impressive Church ...  Have you any more photos ...of inside too?

[johntwo]

Thanks Polly.  Of course, I couldn't resist.  This is a three image stitch.  It (I think) show the interior off reasonably well.  Beautiful church.

                                                     

[Clicker]

Stunning  as  I expected ... so light and airy for a church ..

[johntwo]

Your Comment about St.Walburge's reminded me of  this image.  It's a bit long in the tooth but it makes your point about the stature of the church.

                                      

[Clicker]

That is really tall isn't it  for a parish Church ? 

I love that one learns some really random stuff  on here every single day ! 

[colinb]

Sorry but that looks awful, the interior is an improvement but the exterior ... what were they thinking. next time you go John take a picture or two of St.Walburge's and show them how it should be done

[johntwo]

A bit over fussy I suppose Colin but I guess it reminded them of home.     What I find remarkable is the size of the structure, it's made of wood and it's still here.

[Ryewolf]

22 hours ago, johntwo said:

St.Walburge's

You can see St Walburge's from Pendle Hill