High up on the hill at the Peggy’s Cove entrance, the white church with its red roof is almost as recognizable a symbol of the iconic fishing village as the famous lighthouse.
Although many people can instantly identify the church from the outside view, there are also special features worth seeing inside.
To make this happen, St. John’s Church, generally known as the Peggy’s Cove Church, is pleased to be open, with the help of volunteers, every Saturday, 1 to 4 pm, throughout the summer.
On June 20th, the first Saturday opening, a volunteer reported over 50 visitors from as far away as Belgium, Texas, Minnesota, and Manitoba, and as close as Head of St. Margaret’s Bay.
Community members and visitors are warmly invited to view the church’s interior, especially its ceiling, murals, and stained-glass window, all of which honour the community’s important fishing heritage.
The ceiling mimics lines of the hull of a ship. In addition to being beautiful and evocative of the church’s coastal location, its shape provides wonderful acoustics.
Two murals recognizing the community’s history, painted and donated by artist William deGarthe in 1963, are celebrated.
The custom stained-glass window, another bow to local fishing history, shows a Cape Island boat and the Peggy’s Point lighthouse.
Additionally, last month, a stunning new plaque was installed to recognize the church’s status as a Halifax Regional Municipality Registered Heritage Property.
Singalong Saturday Is Back at the Peggy’s Cove Church
Join community members and musical guests Vince and Pixie on Saturday, July 11th, 2 to 3:30 pm, at the Peggy’s Cove Church for an afternoon of their favourite folk songs.
Peggy’s Cove was Vince Morash’s childhood home, which shines through his music.
All are welcome and admission is free. Donations supporting preservation of the church will be gratefully accepted.
Story By Eliza Manuel