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Église catholique Sainte-Marie: A Testament to Acadian Heritage

Discover the architectural marvel of Église Sainte-Marie in Church Point, a symbol of Acadian heritage and North America's largest wooden church.

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Église catholique Sainte-Marie, located in Church Point, Nova Scotia, is a towering symbol of Acadian culture and faith. While currently closed, this historic church, known as the largest wooden church in North America, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the local community.

A brief summary to Église catholique Sainte-Marie

  • 1713 Nova Scotia Trunk 1, Church Point, Nova Scotia, B0W 1M0, CA
  • +1902-769-2832

Local tips

  • Explore the grounds and admire the church's architecture from the outside, even when the building is closed.
  • Visit the nearby Université Sainte-Anne to learn more about Acadian culture and history.
  • Check the website of Association Sainte-Marie héritage et développement for updates on opening hours and events.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Église catholique Sainte-Marie is located on Nova Scotia Trunk 1 in Church Point. From Yarmouth, head northeast on NS-101 N, then continue onto Nova Scotia Trunk 1. The church will be on your left. From Digby, head southwest on NS-101 S, then continue onto Nova Scotia Trunk 1. The church will be on your right. Parking is available near the church.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options directly to Church Point may be limited, consider taking a bus to a nearby town like Digby or Yarmouth and then using a taxi or local transit to reach the church. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. Bus fare from Yarmouth to Digby is approximately $15 - $25 CAD.

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Discover more about Église catholique Sainte-Marie

Église catholique Sainte-Marie, or Sainte-Marie Church, dominates the landscape of Church Point, a vibrant Acadian community in Nova Scotia. Constructed between 1903 and 1905, this impressive structure is renowned as the tallest wooden church in North America, a remarkable feat of engineering and a powerful symbol of Acadian heritage. The church's construction was a community endeavor, with approximately 1,500 parishioners volunteering their time and skills under the guidance of master carpenter Léo Melanson. Melanson ingeniously adapted French architectural plans designed for a stone structure, creating a unique wooden masterpiece. The church's design is inspired by the architecture of France's Loire Valley. The nave stretches 58 meters in length, and the spire reaches a height of 56 meters. The steeple contains 40 tons of stone ballast to stabilize it against strong winds. Inside, the church boasts high vaulted ceilings and 41 stained glass windows imported from France, creating a sense of grandeur. While the church is currently closed, efforts are underway to preserve this important landmark. The Association Sainte-Marie héritage et développement, a local citizen committee, is working to revitalize the building and ensure its future.

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