Community Venues

For inquiries concerning specific communities please use the contact number for the host community for which you require information. These numbers are listed below.

Annapolis Royal

Specially designated the ‘world’s most liveable small community’ (LivCom International Awards – 2004) historic Annapolis Royal offers visitors and residents alike a wonderful mixture of past and present. Founded in 1605, Annapolis Royal is the oldest European settlement in North America. Over 150 stately heritage buildings grace the broad streets of this charming town, including the deGannes-Cosby House, the oldest wooden house in Canada, constructed in 1708. Other major attractions are Fort Saint Anne (Canada’s first National Historic Site), the Historic Gardens with more than 1.5km of pathways winding among lovely displays and theme gardens and a tidal generating station, the only one its kind in North America.

Kings Theatre,
209 St. George St.
902-532-7704 or 5466
venue chair: Geoff Keymer
www.kingstheatre.com
E-mail

Amiraults Hill

The Holy Family Church in Amirault’s Hill opened its doors in December, 1901. The church is in Byzantine style and this is mainly due to its round towers, one higher than the other, with a cross on top of each one also in byzantine style. These towers show both Russian and Greek influences. The form of the church is rather of the Latin cross, but the slope of the roofs over the nave and the transept is rather gentle, in accordance with the byzantine style. Inside the church there are three naves, each having a barrel vault. The decoration inside consists of two large stained glass windows at both ends of the transept, of three lustres in cut-glass and of a large painting over the altar of the Holy Family, by J. Bielenberg (1906). To be noted also is the balcony with a beautiful rail, well adapted to the style of the church.

Eglise Sainte-Famille, Buttes Amirault Holy Family Church, Amirault's Hill,
Tusket Exit

venue chairs: Joan Semple - 742-8765; Nancy Hood – 742-3226

Auburn

St. Mary’s Church in Auburn, built in 1790, well represents the Anglican traditions and the greater aspirations in architecture that characterized the Loyalists of the time. St. Mary’s, the work of master builder William Matthews, is one of the finest examples of 18^th century churches to have survived unscathed in the province. Today, St. Mary’s Concert Series is a highlight of the area and has raised considerable funds to support the oil spill recovery fund.

St. Mary’s Anglican Church
intersection HW Route 1  at Morden Rd, Auburn

venue chair: Evelyn Keddy - 538-8251

Bayfield

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is nestled on the picturesque shores of St. George’s Bay - Exit at 36a and follow the coast on Route 4 to Bayfield. The area is comprised of gently rolling farmlands and sandy beaches.  A tragic fire in the late 1890s destroyed the original St. Mary’s Church and the current church was built in 1902. It is an architectural gem with a wooden interior that provides warmth and intimacy as well as a wonderful acoustic. Watercolour by Rosemary Blair.

St. Mary-the-Virgin Anglican Church
1496 Summerside Rd, Bayfield
venue chairs: Rosemary Blair- 386-2589, Jeanine Gunn- 386-2481
and members of the Bayfield Book Club
E-mail

Chester

St. Stephen’s Anglican Church was part of Lunenburg parish until 1800, when bounds of the parish were laid out. The present church, to accommodate the growing flock, was built in 1840. When enough revenue had been raised to undertake the work, Chester Anglicans proceeded with a speed and precision far in advance of their time. The interior of the second church was laid out with the old time enclosed pews, which were used until 1899, when the present pews were installed and the church has remained substantially the same since that time. The new church was consecrated on June 5th 1842 by Bishop John Inglis. A recent initiative at St. Stephen’s is the replacement of the former church hall, originally a school, with the building of a new Community Centre. This new facility will be a major asset to the town.

St. Stephen’s Anglican Church
60 Regent Street, Chester
venue chair: Alyce Fiendel - 275-5986
www.saintstephenschester.ca

Cheticamp

Nestled at the base of the mountains of Cape Breton Highlands, Cheticamp is a busy fishing village with a thriving Acadian culture. In 1790, “Les Quatorze Vieux” (The Fourteen Old Men) were granted 7000 acres of land. Their descendants still live here and maintain Acadian music, down-home food, language and crafts. The Cabot Trail, which runs through Cheticamp, is one of the most spectacular stretches of highway in North America, offering breathtaking views of the highlands and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Saint Peter’s Church, the great stone church with its gleaming silver spire, sits on an elevated plateau in the middle of the community. Erected in 1893, the exterior of the structure is solid and imposing. Its rounded headed windows and door openings are in the Romanesque style and its pointed spire rises to a height of 180 feet. Noted Nova Scotia Church historian, Elizabeth Pacey, claims that the interior is probably the most highly ornamented interior of any church in the province. A magnificent structure in a shoreline setting, Saint Peter’s Church provides an ideal venue for a Musique Royale concert.

Eglise St-Pierre
15114 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp

Tickets available at the door by phone Marie Sophie Aucoin 902-224-1876
Box Office hours (as of June 30) are Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri (3:30 - 10:00pm) Sat and Sun (4:00 - 10:00pm), closed Tuesday

venue chair: Paul Gallant
leconseildesartspaul@ns.sympatico.ca

Georgeville

Route 245 and 337 take you to beautiful St. George’s Bay in Antigonish County often referred to as a ‘mini cabot trail’. Our venue, St. George’s Roman Catholic Church in Georgeville, dates back to the 1850’s. In 1998 St. George’s received recognition as a historic property. The church can seat a large congregation and retains much of its original character and beauty.

St. George’s Roman Catholic Church
route 337, near Cape George, Georgeville
venue chair: Nancy Layden- 863-3015 and and Charlotte MacIsaac- 863-4629
E-mail

Great Village

Built in 1883, St. James United Church, stands at the intersection of Highway 2 and Lornevale Road in the pretty village of Great Village on the shores of Cobequid Bay. Originally a Presbyterian Church, it is one of four provincially recognized historic buildings in the community. The church was designed by noted Nova Scotia architect James C. DuMaresq and features a high ceiling shaped like the inverted keel of a ship, a testament to the community's shipbuilding heritage. A plaque commemorating the life of Pulitzer Prize winning writer Elizabeth Bishop, formerly of Great Village, adorns the front of the building.

St. James United Church
8729 Highway 2, Great Village
venue chair: Nancy Corrigan – 668-2001; Church Office – 668-2659

Nancy Corrigan – 668-2001
E-mail

Halifax - Lilian Piercey Concert Hall

The Lilian Piercey Concert Hall is located in a building with a dramatic history, the old Chebucto Road School, built in 1910. Now known as the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, it is a valued heritage building because of the role it played in the aftermath of the Halifax explosion in 1917. Recent renovations have produced a beautiful performance venue with sloping audience floor, natural ventilation, modern lighting and lively acoustics.

Lilian Piercey Concert Hall
6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax
902-423-6995
www.maritimeconservatory.com
E-mail

Halifax - St. Matthew’s United Church

St. Matthew’s United Church has a long history, dating back to 1750. The current church was erected in 1857, after a New Year’s Day fire destroyed the original building. There are many fascinating historical features within St. Matthew’s, including the blue carpet in the Lt. Governor’s pew which is a portion of the carpet used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey. The pews in St. Matthew’s church were situated according to status, and in early years these enclosed pews would be auctioned off to the highest bidding congregation member. Of current interest is the newly refurbished organ, considered one the finest organs in Halifax.

St. Matthew’s United Church
1479 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 1Z2
(902) 423-9209 phone
www.stmatts.ns.ca
E-mail

Halifax - St. Andrew's United Church

St. Andrew's United Church is an intergenerational church. It borders the residential area in the south-end of peninsular Halifax and is close to parks, universities, hospitals and the central business district.

St. Andrew's United Church
6036 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS, B3H 1Y9
Phone: (902) 422-3157
E-mail: saintandrews@eastlink.ca

www.standrewshfx.ca
E-mail

Halifax - Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Dive into Atlantic Canada's maritime history in the heart of the historic Halifax waterfront.  Experience the life of a sailor, learn of the province's ship-building heritage or uncover the meaning behind colourful ship flags.  With exhibits and galleries about North Atlantic Convoys, Titanic, the Halifax Explosion, the Days of Sail, the Age of Steam, Nova Scotian Small Craft, and even the restored ship chandlery of William Robertson and Son, a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is the best way to experience life at sea in comfortable surroundings.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
1675 Lower Water Street
Halifax NS,
www.museum.gov.ns.ca/mma

Iona

The Highland Village Museum presents a chronological tour of 140 years of Gaelic life including emigration, immigration, pioneering and community building. Spread over 43 acres, eleven historic buildings with costumed staff give testimony to the energy, strength of character, and love of family among the Gaels. From a Hebridean style Black House to a 1920’s school, the story of the Gael is related in their homes, artifacts, songs and music. The inclusion of a church on the Highland Village Museum has been a dream fulfilled for many people in the area. During the fall of 2003, the Malagwatch United Church was moved from its site near the shores of the River Denys Basin to the beautiful hills overlooking the Bras d’Or Lakes at the Highland Village Museum in Iona. The spectacular journey involved travel over land and water. The church’s rich and colourful history dates back to 1824 and the present church was built in 1874. For many years, it was required that the minister should preach in Gaelic as well as in English. Today the building remains in much of its original condition and is in a classic, modified revival style.

Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach
4119 Highway 223
Iona, NS

Rodney Chaisson, Director-
Office - 725-2272
www.museum.gov.ns.ca/hv
E-Mail

Lunenburg

Old Town Lunenburg, founded in 1753, was officially designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in August, 1996. At the centre of the town is St. John’s Anglican Church, Canada’s second oldest Protestant church. It is undeniably one of the country’s most outstanding examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture. On November 1, 2001, a devastating fire struck St. John’s. The restoration project that followed is a testimonial to the power of faith which has motivated and inspired many people in the community and all over the world. St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg is a primary site for Musique Royale/Boxwood activities as well as St. Cecilia concerts on the south shore.

St. John’s Anglican Church
81 Cumberland Street
PO Box 238
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Ruth McConnell - 902.634.9994
www.stjohnslunenburg.org
E-mail

Mahone Bay

Take exit 10 or 11 from Route 3 to find the scenic beauty and coastal charm of this unique area. The three waterfront churches, Classic Boat Festival, Scarecrow and Father Christmas Festivals are among popular highlights in a town that is full of interesting studios, galleries and specialty crafts. Cecilia’s Retreat, RR#2 in Mahone Bay, is a private residence where music and hospitality are enjoyed while overlooking a spectacular view of Mader’s Cove.

Cecilia’s Retreat
Host: Barbara Butler: 624-0506
barbara.butler@ns.sympatico.ca
E-mail

Margaretsville

Margaretsville is a picturesque fishing village with magnificent sunsets and a panoramic view of the Bay of Fundy. It is the home of Fundy Folk, a society devoted to the performing arts that began as an extension of the kitchen parties that were common among the folk type musicians of the area. The Evergreen Theatre, located at 1941 Stronach Mountain Rd. in East Margaretsville, is a simple symmetrical wooden structure with gothic windows. The building is 175 years old. In recent years it was donated to the community and converted into a performance space. Its marvelous acoustics make it ideal as a venue for music performances. Photo courtesy of Steven Kennard

Evergreen Theatre
1660 Stronach Mtn. Rd., RR# 1
Margaretsville, Nova Scotia
venue chair: David O’Leary, 902-825-6834
www.evergreentheatre.ca
E-mail

Merigomish

Merigomish (Exit 27, off Highway 104) is located on the south shore of Merigomish Harbour. Its name is probably a variation of the Micmac name Malegomich, “the merrymaking place”. The area seems to have been one of the larger Indian camping grounds and Merigomish Harbour is believed to be a site significant for its archeological remnants. Settlement by Loyalist refugees from the American Revolutionary War began here in the area about 1784. Fishing and farming are the basic industries in the area and the scenery along the Sunrise Trail is among the most beautiful in the province. The Merigomish United Church, located in the community of Merigomish, was built in 1927.

Merigomish United Church
1587 Shore Rd
Merigomish, Nova Scotia
venue chairs: Vickie MacDonald - 926-2556
Jennifer Grout - 755-1902
E-mail

Parrsboro

Parrsboro is admired for its elegant houses and estates, many of which were built during the 1800’s, and the breathtaking scenic view it affords of the extraordinary tides of the Minas Basin. Construction of Ottawa House by the Sea was begun in the 1770’s on the site of an Acadian trading fort. Overlooking the rocky cliffs of nearby Partridge Island, historic Ottawa House served as the summer home of Sir Charles Tupper, former Prime Minister of Canada and Father of Canadian Confederation. After serving as an Inn for more than a century, this lovely Georgian structure was converted to a museum filled with period furnishings. Several rooms also house exhibits showcasing Parrsboro’s shipbuilding heritage.

Ottawa House Museum
1155 Whitehall Road
Parrsboro, NS
venue chair: Susan Clarke 902-254-2376
www.ottawahouse.org

Pictou

In September, 1773 the ship Hector landed in the historic harbour town of Pictou, beginning an important migration of Scottish settlers to the province. Our venue is St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church whose history dates back to 1822.  The first wooden structure of 1823 was replaced in 1866 by one of brick and stone.  The Kirk, as it became known, was struck by fire in 1893 and rebuilt in 1896. Tragedy nearly repeated itself in October of 2001 when the church steeple on the present structure was struck by lightning and caught fire.  The fire was quickly extinguished and miraculously, the magnificent Casavant pipe organ was completely spared.  The church is located at 105 Coleraine St.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
105 Coleraine Street,
Pictou, NS
venue chair: Murray Hill - 485-7021 Alan Stewart- 485-6463
www.standrewspictou.org
E-mail

Port Hood

Port Hood marks the beginning of the Mabou Highlands on Cape Breton Island. The village’s scenic beauty is enhanced by a magnificent view of Port Hood Island, just offshore. Our venue is St. Stephen's United Church. It roots go back to Protestant families who settled in the area in 1786 but the present facility was built in 1874. In 1962, five churches, St. Matthew's, St. John's, Mabou-Hillsborough, St. Stephen's, and Jubilee were amalgamated into the St. John's Pastoral Charge as it is known today.

St. Stephen’s Church
Main Street
Port Hood, Cape Breton, NS
Venue Chairs: Dorothy Frank – 945-2005; Mike Little – 787-3008
E-mail

Port Williams

The history of the Parish of Cornwallis dates back to 1761, a few short years after the deportment of the Acadians. Construction of St. John's Anglican Church in Port Williams began in 1804 but because of lack of funds at the time the interior wasn't completed until 1812. Over the years various additions and repairs have been made including an extension of the chancel and a change of seating in 1888 to create a third aisle of pews.  The stained glass windows are outstanding with a number of memorials gracing its walls. The beauty of the sanctuary, the warmth of wood and wonderful acoustic make this church a unique setting for Musique Royale performances. St. John’s Anglican Church is located on Church St. in Port Williams.

St. John’s Anglican Church
1105 Church Street
Highway 358, Port Williams, NS
Venue Chair: Diana Shelley 542-5300 and Chris Maltby - 542-9299
E-mail

Shelburne

Located along the famous Lighthouse Route, Shelburne is situated on one of the world’s finest natural harbours. Shelburne was settled in 1783 by British Empire Loyalists. It became an instant boomtown, swelling to over 10,000 inhabitants in just a few years, making it the fourth largest settlement in North America. The boom faded as Loyalists moved on to other communities, but the incredible sense of history was left behind. The waterfront Heritage District retains an aura of the 18th century. The Osprey Arts Centre, at 107 Water St., resides in the rejuvenated historic “Dorothy & Gail” building on the waterfront. The Osprey provides an attractive venue for locally produced theatre, dance, literature and music, as well as for touring events.

Osprey Arts Centre
107 Water Street
PO Box 193
Shelburne, Nova Scotia
Venue Chair: Susan Hoover -  875-2359
www.ospreyartscentre.com
E-mail

Sherbrooke

The Sherbrooke Village Restoration area was established in 1969 to conserve a part of Sherbrooke as it was during the last half of the 1800s. Sherbrooke Village is administered by the Sherbrooke Restoration under the direction of the Nova Scotia Museum, part of the Department of Tourism and Culture. It is the largest site in the Nova Scotia Museum system and has approximately 80 buildings, 29 of those open to the public. The Sherbrooke Courthouse was built in 1858 and was used for court sessions until July of 2000. It is a wonderful example of a wooden building in the classical style and has superb acoustical properties due to the interior design. Artists from all genres have named the Sherbrooke Courthouse as one of their favourite places to perform.

Sherbrooke Village Courthouse
Sherbrooke, NS
Venue Chair: Lynn Hayne; The Company Store - (902) 522-2858
www.sherbrookevillage.ca

Wolfville

Wolfville is a town of elegance and charm set amid natural wonders. Stately elms manicured lawns and the rich architecture of its century old homes gives Wolfville a historic grace, and unprecedented charm. Home of Acadia University, one of Canada’s finest undergraduate schools, Wolfville is considered the academic and cultural centre of the Annapolis Valley. The university had no chapel until 1960 when major funds were provided by the Fred C. Manning Charitable Fund. The Manning Memorial Chapel, an American Colonial brick structure was opened in October of 1963. Of particular note is the classical Baroque organ in the balcony and the spectacular front stained glass windows with their images outlined in gold leaf.

Manning Memorial Chapel
Acadia University, Wolfville, NS
Venue Chair: Nancy Burbidge- 582-3933
www.acadiau.ca

Yarmouth

Yarmouth is a vibrant, cosmopolitan community with a proud past and an eagerness to embrace the future. Yarmouth County boasts a fascinating architectural diversity and one of the highest ratios of registered heritage homes per capita in the Atlantic Provinces. Yarmouth has been recognized by Canadian Living magazine as one of the top communities in Canada in which to live. The history of Beacon United Church began in 1761 but the present structure was built in 1967. Several artifacts from its rich history are incorporated into Beacon such as stained glass windows and a pewter Communion Service from 1772. The Casavant Freres 3 manual pipe organ came from Central Church and was built in 1927. The original organ console was replaced in 1977 by the Killam family.

Beacon United Church
25 Beacon Street, Yarmouth, NS
Venue Chairs: Joan Semple- 742-8765; Nancy Hood – 742-3226
http://beaconunited.org

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