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25th Anniversary Season
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.
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 1.5 km of pathways winding among lovely displays and theme gardens, and a tidal energy generating station, the only one its kind in North America.
Our venue in beautiful Annapolis Royal is Kings Theatre. King’s Theatre as we know it has been in existence in Annapolis Royal since 1921. It’s roots, however, go back to 1606 when Marc Lescarbot produced “The Theatre of Neptune” as a diversion for the little band of adventurers at Port Royal, to be followed in later years by performances by traveling troupes and roving thespians in this bustling seaport town.
In 1892, the opening of the Academy of Music on St. James Street provided a performing arts venue for touring companies and community productions. Arthur M. King eventually became the sole owner of the property and with the advent of motion pictures the name was changed to the Bijou Dream Theatre. On September 7, 1921 the theatre fell victim to a raging fire, which consumed half the town’s business district.
Ten weeks later, through the determined efforts of A.M. King, the current King’s Theatre was constructed at a new location on lower St. George Street - its present location. After the death of Mr. King, the theatre was operated as a movie house by a series of owners, eventually falling into disrepair and finally became abandoned in the late 1970's. In 1981, the Annapolis Royal Development Commission purchased the building at a sheriff’s sale and on March 11, 1982, a renovated and revitalized King’s Theatre opened its doors to the public.
 The Town of Annapolis Royal took over the operation of the theatre in 1987 and in January 1988 the King’s Theatre Society was established with the Society's Board of Directors becoming its initial members. The Society now has complete responsibility for the policy-making, operation and maintenance of King’s Theatre, which continues to be a vital force in the life of the community.
Kings Theatre
209 St. George St.
venue chair: Geoff Keymer - (902) 532-7704
E-mail
www.kingstheatre.ca
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. The church overlooks Cape Breton and Cape George.
In early 1800’s there was a growing Anglican community in Little River (now Bayfield), under the leadership of T.H. White and Mrs. Luman Atwater. Funds were raised to build a chapel. By 1838 the building was in use.
By the 1850’s, there was work on a new and larger church on the site of what would become the present Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Bayfield. This building would serve the community for some forty years until it was destroyed by fire in the late 1890’s. Work began on a new church to replace the destroyed church, and the present Church of St. Mary the Virgin was born. The building was completed around the turn of the century and was consecrated by Bishop Courtney on September 3rd, 1902.
St Mary the Virgin remained the parish church from 1856 to 1966, when the rectory was moved back to Antigonish. The Church of St Mary the Virgin has continued as a community church. Built with a wooden gothic design, it is an architectural gem with a wooden interior that provides warmth and intimacy as well as a wonderful acoustic.
St. Mary-the-Virgin Anglican Church
1496 Summerside Rd,
Bayfield, Nova Scotia
venue chairs: Rosemary Blair- (902) 386-2589, Jeanine Gunn- (902) 386-2481
and members of the Bayfield Book Club
E-mail
For tickets: Irene Randall - (902) 386-2077; Lyghtesome Gallery, 166 Main Street, Antigonish - (902) 863-5804
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 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.
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
60 Regent Street,
Chester, Nova Scotia
venue chair: David Major - (902) 275-4806 or (902) 279 - 0027
E-mail
www.saintstephenschester.ca
For tickets: Chester Pharmasave or Fulton's Pharmasave, Lunenburg.
East Pubnico
Our venue in East Pubnico, Immaculate Conception Church, was built in 1879 to replace the former church in East Pubnico. It has remained a beautiful and active church in the Diocese of Yarmouth ever since.
Before East Pubnico had its own church, people of East Pubnico were included in the parish of Sainte Anne du Ruisseau. In 1816, the parish of Saint Pierre was founded. East Pubnico was included in that parish. In 1875, Pierre d’Entremont was entrusted with building the Immaculate Conception Church, the work was completed in 1879. The structure was sixty by forty-five feet.
The dedication ceremony took places on September 24th, 1879 by Archbishop Michael Hannon of Halifax with Rev. William McLeod, rector. The bell in the belfry was presented to the Church by ‘the young men’ of East Pubnico on April 10th, 1887, and blessed by Archbishop of Halifax, Cornelius O’Brien, on that date in the names of W.B. Hamilton, William McLeod and C. O’Brien.
In 1910, Immaculate Conception Church received its own priest and officially became a parish. In 1919, the original church was extended on both sides (where the pillars are now): an addition to the west included an enclosed entry and an enlargement of the bell tower. An addition to the east consisted of the sacristy and the flower room, and to the south an enclosed entry; windows were also replaced at this time.
These were major changes, so on July 29th, 1919, the newly restored parish church was blessed by His Excellency Archbishop of Halifax, Msgr. E.J. McCarthy.
In later years, due to deterioration, the two smaller steeples on the front sides of the church were removed and the front was remodelled. Washrooms were alter added to the southern addition. A wheelchair ramp to the southern entry makes the Church more accessible.
The cemetery at the rear of the Church holds the gravesite of Simon d’Entremont, the first Acadian ever to take his seat in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. Both the Church and its surrounding grounds remain a beautiful sanctuary of history and spirituality.
Immaculate Conception Church
30 minutes from Yarmouth, take Pubnico Exit off Highway 103,
Turn left onto route 3, drive approximately 5 kilometres to 752
East Pubnico, NS
venue chair: Joan Semple- (902) 742-8765
www.dioceseyarmouth.org/pages/immaculate.html
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, 17 miles from Antigonish
near Cape George, Georgeville
venue chair: Nancy Layden- (902) 863-3015
E-mail
For tickets: Nancy Layden or Lyghtesome Gallery, 166 Main St., Antigonish - (902) 863-5804.
Halifax - St. Patrick’s Church
The name of Saint Patrick Church's originated out of the Irish community who met for service with others in a stable of Michael Egan at the southwest corner of Gerrish and Gottingen Streets. In 1845, the congregation was moved into a former Dissenters Meeting House on Brunswick Street. A tower and spire was added and the bell for Saint Patrick's arrived in 1851. A school was opened in the basement in 1857. This same site was used for the building of the present church. Brunswick Street had developed into a fine residential area as local merchants built stately homes amongst the original cottages. With 8 churches close together the street was known as 'church row.'
In December 1867 the first meeting of the newly formed Saint Patrick's committee of Saint Vincent de Paul Society was held in the church basement.
In 1882 Archbishop Hannon made plans for a new Saint Patrick's but passed away before work began. Henry Peters, a Halifax Roman Catholic, with his assistant George H. Jost prepared the architectural plans for the brick and granite Gothic church. Mr. Peters had worked with his brother Simon and George Blaiklock on a number of Halifax projects including the plans for Saint Matthew's Church (1858). Mr. Peters continued to superintend construction with the approval of the new Archbishop of Halifax, Cornelius O'Brien.
On April 2, 1883 the last mass was said in the old Saint Patrick's. On August 8, 1883, His Grace Archbishop Cornelius O'Brien laid the cornerstone for the current Saint Patrick's Church. Inside the cornerstone, a tin box contained memorabilia including copies of the constitutions of the Charitable Irish Society and the Catholic Total Abstinence Societies as well as coins, newspapers and the autobiography of the newly consecrated Archbishop. The Archbishop visited the site every day throughout construction to view progress and bless the workers and volunteers. The building is in the Victorian Gothic style. It is a brick structure with Nova Scotia granite trim. The sides have been faced with stucco. It has a symmetrical front façade with typical Gothic detailing: hood drip moulds, spires, window tracery and buttresses.
 The first mass was held in the new church basement December 22, 1883 and on December 27, 1885 parishioners attended mass in front of the old altar in the newly opened upstairs church. The next few years saw the arrival of many new beautiful features of St. Patrick’s. In 1898, the Cassavant organ Opus 91 was purchased for Saint Patrick's. By 1903, stained glass windows had been installed. And in 1910, the stunning Rutland statuary marble high altar was created by Griffin & Keltie of Halifax as well as the platform and steps.
In 1946, the church underwent major cleaning, repainting and varnishing under leadership of Father C. J. Martin. Sanctuary lamp brackets and eighteen new lighting fixtures were designed and hand made by Metal Industries Limited of Canada . The new shrines created at the back of the church with the realignment of access to the galleries were for Saint Anthony and Our Lady Mother of Perpetual Help. The shrines were the work of the Daprato Studios of Chicago. Saint Anthony's League at Saint Patrick's helps to complete the Saint Anthony's shrine in the church. Angel Holy Water fonts were also added to the church. The altar area changed again in the early 1950s when the Joseph Purcell mural paintings would be added and Saint Patrick on the top of the high altar would be replaced by a brass cross spire All work was fully paid for by donations, demonstrating the generous and giving spirit of the church still present today. 
The Church is also a registered Provincial Heritage Building, and in 2006, the organ was declared a heritage organ and a plaque was presented by a convention of organists meeting in Halifax. As of 2007, Saint Patrick’s Church is in the process of restoring and preserve the church through fundraising. Due to the time and effort put in by Saint Patrick’s Church Restoration Society, Saint Patrick’s has remained open as a beautiful, spiritual, and historic gem in Halifax.
St. Patrick's Church
2276 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3K 2Y9
(902) 429-4170
www.givesaintpatrickahand.com/index.html
E-mail
Halifax - Saint Columba Chapel, Atlantic School of Theology
Saint Columba Chapel is located in the Atlantic School of Theology. The Atlantic School of Theology (AST) is found on the beautiful shores of the Northwest Arm of Halifax Harbour. The AST is a fully accredited ecumenical university committed to excellence in graduate theological education and research in a diverse and welcoming learning community. Since March of 2002, the school has been affiliated with St. Mary’s University, with both institutions committed to establishing and promoting joint and complementary academic courses and programs.
Weekly services of worship are held within the chapel, as well as many sacred music concerts, a new venture at the Atlantic School of Theology. During these concerts, Saint Columba will explore the ways in which music and faith inform and enrich each other.
The Saint Columba Chapel is an exciting concert venue that is being welcomed by many in the arts community. Saint Columba Chapel offers a wonderful acoustic experience in a warm and intimate environment. A beautiful organ and a concert grand piano ensure that musical events at the chapel are events to be remembered!
Saint Columba Chapel, AST
660 Francklyn Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
venue chair: Donna MacKinnon - (902) 423-6801
E-mail
www.smu.ca/academic/ast/
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, Nova Scotia
www.museum.gov.ns.ca/mma
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
4119 Highway 223
Iona, Nova Scotia
venue chair:Rodney Chaisson, Director
Office - (902) 725-2272
www.museum.gov.ns.ca/hv
E-Mail
Lismore
Construction of St. Mary's Church, Lismore, was completed in 1834. It bares the honourable distinction of being the oldest wooden Catholic church built by Highland Scots in Nova Scotia. It has been described in “More Stately Mansions” by Elizabeth Pacey, as being a masterpiece of pioneer architecture. The style is quite clearly in the New England meeting house tradition with classical and gothic embellishments.
The interior of the church is very striking. A three sided gallery runs along the back and down each side of the name. This gallery is reminiscent of the galleries of earlier Georgian churches, The gallery is supported by square pillars which are connected by wide Gothic arches and the gallery fronts are attractively moulded. The front entrance is particularly rich in classic elements. There is a suburb fan light over the door and pilasters on either side. Above these is a cornice with moulded dentil trim. It is the original appearance of the windows that gives the church much of its authentic pioneer charm. In fact, you can see the bubbles in the original glass.
Above the dias hangs a very interesting painting of the Virgin May. The large painting of the Madonna del Rosario, which is a beautiful piece of art, had its origins traced back to as hip detained in Halifax Harbour headed for the United States during the war of 1812. After languishing in the harbour for fifty years, its contents were auctioned off. The painting was part of the cargo adn was purchased by Donald Chisholm of Malignant Cove and given to St. Mary’s in Lismore.
The stations of the cross were originally ereceted in 1948 by Ms Vie Macdonald in memory of her sister, Major Margaret C. Macdonald, Matron in Cheif World War I. They were refurbished by family members in 2009.
This year is St Mary’s 175th anniversary and there are many special events planned to celebrate this occasion (including the Musique Royale Concert on July 22nd!). These activites include a hike around Lismore, an afternoon tea accompanied by organ music, guided tours, ceilidhs, a Parish picnic, and much more!
St Mary's Church
5549 Highway 245
R.R. #3, Antigonish
Arisaig, Nova Scotia
www.stmaryslismore.com
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
venue chair: Ruth McConnell, Administrative Assistent- (902) 634-9994
www.stjohnslunenburg.org
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. 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
1587 Shore Rd
Merigomish, Nova Scotia
venue chairs: Vickie MacDonald - (902) 926-2556,
Jennifer Grout - (902) 755-1902
E-mail
Middleton
Located close to the Bay of Fundy in the heart of the Annapolis Valley, Middleton is approximately 130 km (80 miles) from the province's
Old Holy Trinity Church, one of Canada's undiscovered gems. Built in 1791.it is considered to be one of the least-altered Loyalist Anglican Churches remaining in Canada. The Old Holy Trinity is a premier example of 18th century colonial Nova Scotian church architecture.
As a loyalist, John Wiswall was forced to leave the United States, and was sent as a missionary to the Annapolis Valley in 1782, in 1788, Wiswall’s immense parish was divided, and in 1789 he became the first Rector of the newly-created parish of Wilmot.
Construction of the church began in the fall of 1789, slowly coming to completion in 1791. The first service was held August 14, 1791. The Old Holy Trinity Church served as the Anglican parish church until the turn of the 19th century. A new structure was built off site leaving the church and cemetery without the demands of day-to-day church activities.
Old Holy Trinity is an elegant example of colonial Nova Scotian church architecture, and is well worth a visit in its own right. The church itself exhibits the simple tranquility of early church architecture in the Maritimes. It’s white painted clapboard construction with large rectangular windows, some with original glass, and the square tower with its rounded spire give the church an air of dignity.
 The enormous windows bathe the interior with a bright iridescent light, lending a sense of spaciousness. The wide aisle between the box pews with their original wrought iron hinges leads to a small sanctuary. The visitor should look at the framing of the spire, its central mast and whorl of struts being fairly unique. All in all, a well-preserved piece of Nova Scotia’s heritage, and a telling reminder of our ancestors’ deep faith and good taste.
Old Holy Trinity Church
244 Main Street
Middleton, Nova Scotia
venue chair: David O’Leary, (902) 825-6834
www.oldholytrinitychurch.ca
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. 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
1155 Whitehall Road
Parrsboro, Nova Scotia
venue chair: Susan Clarke (902) 254-2376
www.ottawahouse.org
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
Main Street
Port Hood, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Venue Chairs: Dorothy Frank – (902) 945-2005, Mike Little – (902) 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. 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
1105 Church Street
Port Williams, Nova Scotia
Venue Chairs: Diana Shelley (902) 542-5300, Colleen Mansfield - (902) 582-1736
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 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
107 Water Street
PO Box 193
Shelburne, Nova Scotia
Venue Chair: Susan Hoover - (902) 875-2359
www.ospreyartscentre.com
E-mail
 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
Acadia University,
Wolfville, NS
Venue Chair: Nancy Burbidge- (902) 582-3933
www.acadiau.ca/chaplain/chapel.htm
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, and is home to four Musique Royale venues for 2009.
Yarmouth - Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (Western Branch)
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (Western Branch) is housed in the former Royal Bank building in Yarmouth, located at 341 Main Street. It strives to make art more accessible to the Atlantic provinces, and brings Nova Scotians together through visual art.
From 1979 on the building was occupied by a variety of small businesses until 1997 when it was bought by the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Western Branch - Yarmouth was officially opened on May 28, 2006. It is the first satellite gallery of any provincial art gallery in Canada. The interior has been entirely renovated and along with a wooden addition at the back of the original building now includes the Main Gallery as well as individual galleries for contemporary art, historic art, folk art, works on paper and ceramics. Works are from the Permanent Collection of the AGNS.
 This handsome building at 341 Main Street was constructed in 1912-1913 as the Royal Bank of Canada's Yarmouth branch (1913 to 1979). It is a two storey late Victorian Commercial style building with a granite and sandstone facade. On the west and the south sides it has large segmental arched bays with Corinthian keystone trim, pilasters with Corinthian capitals and is topped by a classic cornice with dental trim.
In its present use as part of the AGNS this fine building continues as a Yarmouth, N.S. Landmark.
Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (Western Branch)
341 Main Street, Yarmouth, NS
www.artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/en/AGNS_Yarmouth/default.aspx
Yarmouth - Beacon United Church
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- (902) 742-8765, Nancy Hood – (902) 742-3226
http://beaconunited.org
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