When we visited it wasn't a Sunday but the doors were wide open, a bit of an oddity for a non Catholic church, so we walked in. One of the first things we noticed within was this guest book, just inside the door, inviting us to sign it. So we did...
St. Peter's is a bit of a breath of fresh air when traveling along Marine Drive north of Halifax. Bright white with an equally bright red roof, door and trim accent, the church makes for an excellent landmark, both from land and sea. Its steeply pitched red roof and white tower with red gables all around face the highway and the shore, making it highly visible. Essentially a country church, it stands among several houses stretching out along the highway which, we assume comprise the community of Murphy Cove.
Established at an unknown date, the present building was built sometime in the latter part of the nineteenth century, according to the Nova Scotia Archives. Inside, the church is finished from floor to ceiling in varnished tongue and groove boards, imparting a warm and woody atmosphere. There are a few simple stained glass windows within, nothing fancy but attractive nonetheless. Also within is a holy water font, carved from what appears to be freestone, octagonal in shape, supported by a substantial square base. The lid is a beautifully finished wooden piece.
MURPHY COVE. Halifax County
This community is located near the head of Shoal Bay on the eastern shore of Nova Scotia approximately eighteen miles south-west of Sheet Harbour. It was probably named after Thomas Murphy, an early settler from Ireland. Some of the grantees were John Beaver, prior to 1831, George Shellnut, 200 acres on April 25, 1831, Allen Cameron. 100 acres on October 19, 1838 and George Shellnut. Jr., 200 acres on December 22, 1845.
St. Peter's Anglican Church was built in the late 19th century. Probably a new school was built in 1874, while another new one was built in 1904. Fishing and farming are the basic industries. The population in 1956 was 144.
From the Nova Scotia Archives