Église Sainte-Marie, Church Point, Nova Scotia, Catholic church in Church Point, Nova Scotia.
Église Sainte-Marie is a large wooden church building at Church Point, Nova Scotia, measuring about 190 feet long, 135 feet wide, with a steeple rising about 185 feet high. The interior contains nine decorated ceiling panels, white oak pews, and a crystal chandelier.
Construction of the current building started in 1903 under Father Pierre-Marie Dagnaud, following designs by French architect Auguste Regneault and local carpenter Leo Melanson. An earlier church from 1828 had stood on the site before this larger structure replaced it.
The church served as a gathering place for Acadian families who returned from Massachusetts in 1769 after their deportation. It remains central to how the local community sees itself and marks its identity.
The building is impressively large and made of wood, best explored on foot to appreciate the details and craftsmanship. Located in a rural area, it is worth checking ahead to learn when the church is open for visitors.
The steeple is filled with ballast stones to keep the structure stable during strong coastal winds, an innovative solution for such a large wooden building. This construction technique was essential for safety during the region's frequent stormy weather.
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