Église Sainte-Marie, is located in Church Point next to the Université Sainte-Anne campus. Sainte-Marie parish, the first parish to be established in the St. Mary's Bay area of Southwest Nova Scotia, is a catholic community of the Archdiocese of Yarmouth/Halifax.
A historical place of worship, the church, with its steeple rising 56.4 m (185 feet) above the ground, is the
largest wooden church in North America. Built over a period of two years, from 1903 to 1905, by 1500 volunteers under the supervision of a master carpenter who could neither read nor write, it features large columns which are actually complete 20 m (70ft) tall tree trunks. The tall steeple is anchored down using 40 tons of rocks and contains 3 large bells with a combined weight of almost 2 tons.
The architecture of this church is based on the French Breton style and it is the only church in the world with this style of architecture which is built out of wood. A visit to this magnificent structure will reveal a connection to rumrunners and unique shipping methods of the era.
Since the year 2000 this breathtaking structure is a registered museum. We are wheelchair accessible and have a large paved parking lot providing ample free parking.
From the Church Website
Built in the form of a cross, the church measures 58 metres (190 feet) in length, with transepts 41 metres (135 feet) across. The spire rises a total of 56 metres (184 feet), with its cross adding another 1.67 meters (5.5 feet). Originally 15 feet taller, the church steeple was struck by lightning in 1914, requiring part of the spire to be rebuilt.
It's difficult to get an appreciation for the size of this church from a 2D photo. To help you out, B is standing in the entrance in the photo below.
The church was built beginning in 1903 by 1500 very ambitious volunteer Acadian carpenters under the direction of an illiterate master carpenter. No longer used as a church, it serves the world at large as a museum of Acadian history. The church is today a Nova Scotia Heritage Property.
Saint Mary’s Church is the largest wooden church in North America. Located in Church Point in the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region, this building was constructed over a two-year period from 1903 to 1905.
Not only a historical place of worship, Saint Mary’s is also a museum and features a fine collection of church vestments, furnishings, documents and photographs. Motorcycle enthusiasts should drop in to see the painting that resembles a biker’s face on the ceiling.
After your visit to the church, you can browse through our gift shop where you will find a range of souvenirs and religious items to take home as mementos of your visit.
From Nova Scotia Attractions