St Mary's Church, Halifax

St Mary's Church is a Roman Catholic parish church in Halifax with marble altars and a prominent tower positioned at the intersection of Gibbet Street and Clarence Street. The building reflects architectural changes from repairs and expansions carried out during the 1800s.

The foundation stone was laid in 1836, but a storm caused partial collapse in 1863, prompting a complete reconstruction that finished in 1865. This made it the first post-Reformation Roman Catholic church to be built in Halifax.

The church serves both English and Polish communities, maintaining regular services in both languages to accommodate its diverse congregation.

The location is easy to find at the corner of Gibbet Street and Clarence Street with regular public access during service times. Visiting during scheduled services helps you experience the interior with its marble features fully appreciated.

This church stands on land directly opposite where public executions once took place, giving its founding symbolic weight in a town that had long been hostile to Catholic worship. The building became a spiritual anchor for a community finally able to practice openly.

Inception: November 27, 1839

Website: http://stmaryshalifax.com

GPS coordinates: 53.72326,-1.86826

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25