Old Holy Trinity Church is an elegant example of colonial Nova Scotia church architecture. Its white painted clapboard construction, with large rectangular windows, some with original glass, and the square tower with its slim, rounded spire, give the church an air of confident dignity. It is believed that when it was first built the church was nearly rectangular, and that the sanctuary was added later as the Anglican church began, during the nineteenth century to rediscover its sacramental roots.
The main door of the church is of some interest, being very wide. Its original hand-wrought hinges had supported the entire weight of the door unaided until 1979, when an assisting wheel was added. If you stand back from the door, you can experience its attractive proportions, with its peaked Georgian pediment above, and pilasters on either side. Look upward and enjoy the pleasingly designed steeple, a unique structure with a central mast and struts to brace the spire. The railing and finials on the tower add the finishing touches to the church’s sensitively conceived west front.
The first impression upon entering the church is of expansiveness and light. The large windows, many of them with their original glass, bathe the interior with uncannily clear light, a very important quality in a public building in early colonial days. The proportions of the interior are pleasing. The wide aisle leads to the beautiful Georgian window of the sanctuary. To the right, as the visitor faces forward, the church is dominated by the original high round pulpit on its pedestal, from which point the speaker could be seen and heard clearly from anywhere in the church. The pews are typical of the period, reminders of the time when parishioners paid annual “pew rents”, which paid the Rector’s stipend as well as other parish expenses. Servants and the poor were relegated to the balcony. Of particular interest to the visitor are the doors and hand wrought iron hinges of the box pews, the old pine floorboards, nearly 24 inches wide is some places, and the “marbleized” pilasters at intervals along the walls. This was done by ingeniously stroking the wet grey paint with a feather dipped in coal tar. The floorboards are nailed with hand-forged, square-headed nails.
Due to its distinctive construction, the church has wonderful acoustics. This makes it a great venue for musical repertoires and choral groups.
In 19??,under the previous committee, a government grant was received for much needed repairs such as the roof and restoration of this beautiful example of Georgian construction.
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