26th Season 2011 ~ Venues
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. In cases where contact information is only provived for the venue chair, the venue chair also acts as a ticket contact, though tickets can also be purchased or reserved by calling the Musique Royale office at (902) 634 - 9994. Tickets are available at the door at all venues except Cecilia’s Retreat in Mahone Bay. Ticket prices ($15 - $20); special student price of $5 is available at the door. Cecilia Retreat events are by reservation only and are $40
Amherst First Baptist Church is situated in the historic downtown of Amherst, Nova Scotia, located at 90 Victoria Street. The church is always working to meet the changing religious and social needs of its members. There is a wide range of programmes for all age groups. This beautiful old stone church seats 600. Our venue chairs are Alan and Connie Pipes. First Baptist
Bridgewater St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church is the largest Lutheran Congregation in the Maritimes. It offers two styles of worship: non-liturgical and liturgical. With an active Sunday School and Youth Group, ages 3 - 15, it also has regular programmes of Pastor's Bible Study, Women (St. Paul's Lutheran Women & Ladies Aid) & Youth Groups (CIA, CHAOS & J-Team), and a radio broadcast once a month that ministers to the whole South Shore. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Chester St. Stephen's Anglican Church is found in the heart of beautiful and charming Chester. The presence of the Church of England in Chester dates from the mid-1760s, and prospered On January 1st, 1836, a Vestry meeting was held when it was unanimously passed that a new and more ‘commodious’ church be build to accommodate the prosperous and ever-growing congregation. This led to the present church, 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 church was erected on a hill in the centre of town, with a view of the beautiful bay and its numerous islands. The interior of the second church, of which exact plans of the ground floor and the gallery are in the church records, was laid out with the old time enclosed pews. There was no chancel in the building at first (this was later added in 1873): the altar was placed against the east wall, with the minister’s desk and the pulpit in front. These were later moved to the north and south sides of the church. The present bell, weighing almost 450 pounds, was purchased in London in 1845. The new church was consecrated on June 5th 1842 by Bishop John Inglis, and has remained a beautiful and spiritual place ever since. 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
Dartmouth Christ Church was the first building in Dartmouth to be built solely for church purposes. Built in 1817, it was originally a simple rectangular building with box pews. In 2008 the parish undertook a visionary process to build and nurture its multigenerational community while continuing to develop diverse liturgies. The modern day parish emphasizes programs of compassionate outreach and justice building. Our venue chair is Yvonne Delo Christ Church Anglican
Georgeville St George’s Church is situated in a quiet setting along Highway #337 on the Gulf Shore of Antigonish County. The first Catholic chapel in Georgeville district was built at Morar about 1830. Remnants of that building were incorporated into the present day vestry of St George’s Church whose construction was completed in 1871. This vernacular style church features architectural elements include a symmetrical façade, a truncated central tower and Gothic windows. A cornerstone laid in 1860 contains a sealed bottle with coins and a document identifying members of the construction team including Peter MacKenzie, architect; John Smith, framer; and Thomas Brown, mason. Many of the early grantees to the area were of Highland Scottish extraction including families with the surname McInnis, McLean, McNeil, McPherson and Gillis. Historically fishing and farming have played an important part in local economy. The community invites you to enjoy a visit to our wharf at Livingstone’s Cove and explore our beaches! St. George’s Roman Catholic Church
Information: 902- 863-3015
Great Village Great Village: St. James United Church, Corner of Economy and Old Cumberland Roads, Great Village St. James United Church is located on the corner of Economy and Old Cumberland Roads, facing onto the Minas Basin, in Great Village, Nova Scotia. This wooden, Gothic Revival style church was built in 1883. The building and property are included in the provincial designation. St. James United Church is valued for its association with Presbyterian history in old Londonderry Township, and because of the interpretation by its architect, the Nova Scotian born James Charles Dumaresq, of the Gothic Revival in a manner consistent with the style's origins and the Great Village setting. St. James United Church is one of the oldest buildings in Great Village and is also the tallest. St. James continues to hold regular services.St. James United Church Sandra Barry (Elizabeth Bishop Society)
Halifax
St. Andrew’s United Church was formed from Methodist and Presbyterian Churches at the time of the birth of the United Church of Canada in 1925. The earliest forebears of this congregation were the Methodists, who, led by Rev. William Black, built a church on Argyle Street, Halifax in 1787. Presbyterians opened a church on Barrington Street in 1817. At the time of church union in 1925, the United Methodists and St. Andrew's Presbyterian congregations joined to form St. Andrew's United Church. The present building, constructed of gray granite and built along modified gothic lines, was completed and dedicated in 1927. The attractiveness of the sanctuary is enhanced by the beautiful stained-glass memorial windows.
Dive into Atlantic Canada's maritime history at Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in the heart of the historic Halifax waterfront. Musique Royale is gratefully supported in Halifax by the Early Music Society of Nova Scotia (http://earlymusic.chebucto.org) and the St. Cecilia Concert Society (www.stcecilia.ca). Halifax St. Andrew’s United Church Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Iona The Highland Village Museum is a 43 acre living history museum and cultural centre that interprets, presents and celebrates Nova Scotia's Gaelic language and culture. Overlooking the world famous Bras d'Or Lakes, costumed staff in 10 period buildings take visitors on a journey through 140 years of cultural evolution in Scotland and Nova Scotia, including emigration, immigration, pioneering and community building. 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 Gaels is related in their homes, artifacts, songs and music. In addition to the museum, the site also features Gaelic programming, special cultural events, Roots Cape Breton Genealogy & Family History Centre, a music research centre and outdoor amphitheatre. 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, and was just another chapter in the church's rich history. Long inhabited by First Nations people, Malagawatch takes its name from a Mi’kmaq word said to mean “lake of full islands”. The community of Malagawatch is one of the oldest Presbyterian communities in Cape Breton. Gaelic speaking settlers, from the Hebridian islands of Coll, Tyree, Mull and Skye, came to the area between 1810 and 1820. The first minister, Rev. Donald MacDonald, came to the area in 1824 and held services in Gaelic on his property until he left in 1826. When Rev. John MacLennan visited later that year, he advised them to build a church. They built a building 40 feet long and 30 feet wide to hold the congregation. This was the third Presbyterian Church built in Cape Breton. By 1874, the congregation had grown and the “new church” was built across the road. This new building used much of the lumber from the old one and was opened on Aug. 8, 1874. It was said that the church could hold 400 people. It was given the name Malagawatch Union Church to indicate that several different groups of Presbyterians agreed to co-operate and establish this congregation. Services continued to be held in Gaelic and English well into the 20th century. The church building has a blending of architectural styles. It demonstrates Federal style in the squared-off windows; the tall spire, encouraging us to look towards the heavens, is Gothic; the front door has a taste of Greek Revival. The inside of the church is very plain in keeping with Presbyterian tradition. No musical instruments were used for singing until a pump organ was purchased in the 1940's. Out migration and dwindling numbers of family farms reduced the population of Malagawatch. In 2002 the River & Lakeside Pastoral Charge, with the consent of the last surviving member of the congregation, gave the church to the Highland Village, continuing the church's historic and cultural legacy. Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach
Lake Charlotte Clam Harbour United Church, Memory Lane Heritage Village, Lake Charlotte Memory Lane Heritage Village Information: Thea Wilson Hammond, 1-902-845-1937
Phone would be 1-902-845-1937
Loch Lomond Calvin Presbyterian Church is a magnificent church dating from 1913. It is in Loch Lomond (Loch Laomainn), a community located in Richmond County in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The town is named after Loch Lomond in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. The community sits upon the eastern shore of a lake which is also named Loch Lomond. It is known for its beautiful scenery and its wide appeal for summer cottages. It also has a very rich history kept alive by the community. Loch Lomond is a fresh water lake that boasts excellent fishing and boating. Jim McNeil – 849-2245
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 the home base for Musique Royale as well as the south shore home for the St. Cecilia Concert Society with Symphony on the Shore among many presentations between September and May each year. Boxwood Festival and Workshop events are held at St. John’s during the final week of July. St. John’s Anglican Church For Boxwood Festival and Workshop visit www.boxwood.org
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
Margaretsville EMargaretsville 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, originally the Evergreen Baptist Church. In recent years it was donated to the community and converted into a performance space, now hosting over 20 performances per year. Its marvelous acoustics make it ideal as a venue for music performances. Photo courtesy of Steven Kennard Evergreen Theatre
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. In 1925, a committee met to consider forming a pastoral charge of the United Church of Canada in Merigomish. This committee included representatives from Merigomish, French River, Barney’s River and Glenbard. After holding services in a community hall for more than a year, construction on a church building began, with all four communities co-operating and working together. The fellowship and community spirit which enabled the building of this church continues to this day. Merigomish United Church
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. In 1836, the Ottawa House was inherited by Thomas Ratchford from his father, James Ratchford, an influential citizen of Parrsboro. The house stayed in the Ratchford family for nearly twenty years, until it was purchased by the famous Charles Tupper, a Father of Confederation. The building then passed into the hands of the Cumberland Railway and Coal Company. Under the ownership of J.R. Cowans, the house was outfitted with indoor plumbing and bathrooms. After a brief period of possession by the Dominion Steel Company, the Ottawa House was purchased by Captain Carl Merriam. Captain Merriam chose to operate the building as an inn, and built a large Dance Pavilion across the road from the Ottawa House. After Merriam’s death, the Seaman family continued operating the house as an Inn. They laid hardwood floors on the bedrooms and dining room. It was also during this time that the Ottawa House was visited by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands during her tour of Nova Scotia. In 1948, Jim and Lottie Wheaton purchased the building. While maintaining the house as an inn, the Wheatons promoted and maintained the historic character of the house. Lottie later became part of the Parrsborough Shore Historical Society. Since then, the Ottawa House has changed from an inn to a museum which educates visitors about the history of the house, Partridge Island, the Parrsborough Shore, and Parrsboro itself. The museum offers information on the complete history of Parrsboro, beginning with the original natives of the area, and moving through time, covering the Acadians, seafaring, lumbering, and shipbuilding, as well as the lives of the owners of the house. The house is also home to a wealth of genealogical information, including more than twelve hundred Parrsboro and area school registers, as well as many local family files. In addition to being a Musique Royale venue for musical performances, the museum also features Sunday speakers, children’s activities, family gatherings, and wedding parties. The museum is currently undergoing renovation and restoration to maintain the beauty and history of the house. There is no doubt that the museum serves not only as an important tourist attraction and economic resource to Parrsboro, but also is an important snapshot of Nova Scotia’s rich culture and history. Ottawa House Museum
Poplar Grove: For over 200 years, this site has been a place of Christian worship. Situated beside the Old Ferry Road in Poplar Grove (near Avondale and Newport Landing on the Bay of Fundy), St. John the Baptist Anglican Church was originally built by the Methodists, possibly as early as 1794; the present building is most likely not the original structure. In 1863, the Baptists bought the building and used it until 1872. Except for occasional use by the Presbyterians, it remained closed until 1924 when it was bought by the Anglicans. Today, people of all faiths welcome the peace and quiet found in this unique church. During Sung Evensong, with candles all aglow and the beautiful oil lamps lit, we are reminded of simpler times. St. John the Baptist Anglican Church 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. Steven's United Church. St. Stephen's has its roots in two traditions - Presbyterian and Methodist. St. Stephen's Presbyterian roots go back to the Protestant families who settled around Port Hood and Mabou after 1786 when Captain David Smith and his family came from Cape Cod and settled on Port Hood Island. These families kept their religious faith alive through home worship as they had no minister or church. In 1818, Rev. James McGregor, a Presbyterian missionary came to the area and preached to these people in their homes. Inspired by his visit, fifty three people from Port Hood and Mabou joined together as a Presbyterian Congregation in 1821 and called the Rev. William Millar to be their minister. The Methodist roots of St. Steven's can be traced back to the influence of Ann Ross who married John Smith in 1839 and lived on Port Hood Island. The Methodist minister on the Port Hood circuit made his headquarters at their home. Four Protestant denominations joined together to put up the Protestant Union Church in 1874. Anglican’s, Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodists all worshipped in this church until 1886 when the Methodists built their own St. Stephen's Church (the present St. Stephen's United Church). The Presbyterians continued to worship in the Protestant Union Church until 1913 when they could no longer afford an ordained minister, then choosing to worship at St. Stephen's with the Methodists. Shortly before the official union of the Methodists, Congregationalists and some of the Presbyterians in June 1925, the Methodists and Presbyterians of Port Hood voted to unite their congregations and join the new United Church of Canada. Through the difficulties of finding ministers during World War Two, the United Church congregations of Mabou-Hillsborough, Port Hood and Port Hood Island were served by one minister. This arrangement continued until 1953 when the three congregations officially became one pastoral charge. 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 we know it today. Through all these changes, St. Steven's, Port Hood, has maintained its identity and faith for 184 years. St. Steven’s Church Port Williams The history of the Parish of Cornwallis dates back to 1761, a few short years after the deportment of the Acadians. The Parish of Cornwallis will celebrate two milestones in 2010—the 250th Anniversary of the establishment of the Parish by Royal Mandate; and the 200th anniversary of the erection of the ‘new’, second St. John’s Church. The Parish of Cornwallis was the progenitor of Anglican churches in Canning, Kingsport, Hantsport, Wolfville, Kentville, Berwick, Kingston, Auburn, Wilmot and Middleton. Its early rectors also ministered to Anglicans in Colchester and Pictou Counties. 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. The ‘new’ St. John’s is one of the oldest, continuously operating Anglican Churches in Nova Scotia. Details of its construction have been well documented, and additional information is found in publications of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia and in the Provincial Archives. It replaced the ‘old’ first St. John’s, erected in 1772, which remains in active use today as a garden house on property adjacent to the ‘new’ church. 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
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 Centre began as a building in the Muir Cox Shipyard, found on the waterfront of Shelburne. In the spring of 2001 David Huddleston, a resident of Shelburne, Nova Scotia approached members of the arts community and the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club (SHYC) with the idea of jointly developing an unused building in the former shipyard. Under the leadership of David Huddleston, members of the community, including people from the arts and yachting communities, came together to plan and design this project. The first phase was completed by May 1, 2003. As planned, in November 2002, the arts community and the Yacht Club members formed two individual boards, The Osprey Arts Centre Association to develop and run an Arts Centre called The Osprey (named for a famous sailing ship built in Shelburne in the 19th Century) in the rear two-thirds of the building and SHYC to operate the waterfront one third of the building as a yacht club and marina. The Osprey Arts Centre opened May 10, 2003 and has operated full time since that date. The Osprey includes the performance space and the Coastline Gallery in the lobby. The gallery presents curated solo exhibitions by visual artists from the local area. The performance space is home to around 60 shows a year, including music, both popular and classical, dance, theatre and literary readings. The theatre is open year-round. In addition to concerts presented by Musique Royale, The Osprey Arts Centre is also a venue for a number of other series: the Nautilus Music and Dance Series (including traveling performances from Musique Royale), the Theatre Series, Bringin’ It Home (sponsored by Music Nova Scotia), the Shelburne Writers Festival, Children’s Theatre Series, and Hometown Music. The Osprey is a member of Atlantic Presenters Association and participates in block-booking of internationally renowned artists in all fields. Locally The Osprey is home to amateur theatre groups and presents local musical events. It reaches out to the community in a number of ways. It works with the schools to provide workshops and shows for elementary and high school students. Through its youth committee, it sponsors local youth musical events. It also offers youth summer camps in drama, music and visual art. It is a member of the national eyeGO to the arts program which provides inexpensive tickets to youth for all of its shows. The Osprey Arts Centre is not only an architectural gem, but also a hub of learning, art, and creativity. Osprey Arts Centre
Tatamagouche Tatamagouche is situated where the rivers French and Waugh enter a natural harbour, and it gets its name from the Mi’kmaq ‘Takumegooch’ meaning ‘meeting of the waters’. This summer, Tatamagouche is celebrating the 300th anniversary of the arrival of the Acadians, the first European settlers in an area long inhabited by the Mi’kmaq peoples. In 1755 the British expelled the Acadians and the village was destroyed. All that remains from that period are some Acadian dykes and French place names. Protestant repopulation began in 1765 followed by a sizeable shipbuilding industry. Recently restored, the former Tatamagouche Creamery buildings comprise a complex that houses the popular year-round Farmers Market as well as the award-winning Creamery Museum. Future plans for the Creamery complex include construction of a performing arts centre. The concert venue in Tatamagouche is the historic Sharon Church, with its fine acoustics. Built in 1854 to serve local Presbyterians, it became Sharon United Church in 1925 following church union. The building was enlarged in 1871, an organ was added in 1888, and in 1930 the old closed-in pews were replaced by the present ones. Sharon United Church, Tatamagouche
Truro The heritage value of St. John’s Anglican Church is both historical and spiritual in nature, being the principal place of worship for a congregation whose roots extend back to the earliest days of the Truro township. Construction of the first St. John’s, a wood-frame structure on the site of the present building, began in 1821 and was completed in 1825. The current building, constructed of freestone, is a very good example of the 19th century revival of the English Gothic style in ecclesiastical architecture. The steeply pitched roof, flying buttresses, pointed arches and tracery are identifying elements. The crenelated tower was a later addition. The actual work on the church was started in 1873 to plans drawn up by architect William Thomas of Montreal, and was finally completed in 1881 .St. John’s Anglican Church
Tusket The construction of Centre communautaire de Par-en-Bas began in May, 2008 thanks to funding from all three levels of government. The community also contributed $350,000 towards the centre’s construction which is now complete. An official opening is planned for Autumn 2011. The centre is situated behind École secondaire de Par-en-Bas (ÉSPB) in the village of Tusket in southwestern Nova Scotia. The school, which is under the jurisdiction of Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP), is the Acadian high school for the area, housing approximately 330 students from grades 7 to 12. Centre communautaire de Par-en-Bas features the concert venue Salle Père Maurice LeBlanc (a 299 seat theatre), an early childhood centre, a family resource centre, an art gallery in the main level and theatre level corridors,community offices for Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas, Radio CIFA, Conseil des arts de Par-en-Bas and Festival acadien international de Par-en-Bas as well as a CAP Site, and a meeting room.. Information: Lynn Surette (648-0251), Joan Semple (742-8765)
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 Manning Memorial Chapel is found nestled in the beautiful campus of Acadia University. Acadia has always had spiritual growth as the core of the life and work of the University. In 1838, it was founded by the Baptist Churches, which retain their role through appointees to the University’s Board of Governors. The role of the church is continued today through the Manning Memorial Chapel and its Chaplain. In 1990, a campaign for $1 million was begun to endow the University Chaplaincy including programs, personnel, and chapel maintenance. Today, the fund stands at $612, 000. The new millennium phase must see it through to its $1 million objective. The stained glass windows in the Manning Memorial Chapel present the same pattern to worshippers whether light is behind them or shining upon them. Changing light changes colour and value in the jewel toned glass. This beauty was the result of careful planning by the master craftsman Henry Lee Willet. His artistry and dedication to making the windows beautiful in any circumstance illustrates the desire to enrich the lives of those who enter the chapel that has guided the chapel since it was first built almost forty years ago. The 20-stop classical organ was built by Casavant Freres of Québec, and was dedicated to the University’s War Dead on August 16, 1963. The 28.5 inch cast swinging bell, was cast by Taylor Company in England, and its stunning sound can be heard two miles away. The church spire, with a six-foot cross covered with gold leaf, towers 198 feet above sea level. The interior millwork of the chapel is native birch with walnut handrails. The Chipman Tapestry brickwork is laid in Flemish Bond and the ornamental plaster was created by Joseph Corbo of Montréal, one of the few remaining plaster craftsmen in Canada. All the details have been chosen with loving care. They have been made possible through the generosity of the Manning family over the years. The Acadia Chaplaincy, similarly supported through magnanimous gifts, has guided and supported thousands of Acadia students and staff members since 1963 when the Chapel was opened and dedicated in memory to the late Fred C. Manning. Owing to the activities of many students, the Acadia chapel has become one of the busiest spots on campus. It is a place where students and staff go for services, quiet contemplation, counselling, and a myriad of other activities. The doors are quite literally always open. The chapel itself is open for services every day of the week, as well as a Roman Catholic mass on Saturdays and a University service on Sundays. There is an annual Passion Play in which many students take part. There are also bible studies, banquets, and of course concerts such as those of Musique Royale. Attendance has been increasing every year for regular services and special services and events sometime leave standing room only. Manning Memorial Chapel |
through the next thirty years. By 1794, the foundation stones for the church building had been dressed and cut. In 1825 a steeple was added, to house the bell, donated by Mr. G. Miller. He further donated the first Vestry book and the Royal Coat of Arms. The Royal Arms, unfortunately, have since been lost. The original bell was removed when the new church was built and was last known to be in use in South America. St. Stephen's was part of Lunenburg parish until 1800, when bounds of the parish were laid out. 
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. 
