A 150-year-old church in Digby, Nova Scotia is at risk of losing one of its most historically significant features, and advocates are now asking for the public’s help to save it.
The Trinity Anglican Church was named a top 12 finalist in Canada’s Next Great Save competition. Advocate Greg Turner says they’re hoping to restore the church, which he describes as “a rare piece of Atlantic Canada’s architectural history.”
“The church is a National Historic Site,” Turner explains. “It was built in 1878, and it’s a cornerstone of Digby’s heritage and identity, and this Rose Window is a really prominent feature in the church on the South Wall. It’s one of the most spectacular stained glass pieces in Trinity, and it’s now in danger.”
According to Turner, an engineer’s report indicates a loss of integrity around the window and inside plaster coming away. Turner says it’s stabilized but needs repairs soon. He notes the Rose Window—also known as the Children’s Window—is key to protecting the south wall and entire structure.
“It’s one of the first things you see when you drive in, and when you go inside it becomes illuminated as the sun shines through it and it really highlights the stained glass features of the church,” Turner says. “It’s essential for worship and celebrations, concerts, civic events.”
He wants to ensure the symbolic artwork continues serving Digby for generations, noting “it’s pretty important for the church itself and for the community.”
Competition sponsor Ecclesiastical Insurance is funding the $50,000 grand prize and reinforcing its commitment to protecting Canada’s historic places. Second- and third-place winners receive $10,000 and $5,000.
Turner says the church was “built by the community back in 1878. The Gothic Revival Architecture style is by Stephen Earle, and there are not too many buildings in Atlantic Canada that follow that architectural design. Public voting opened yesterday and runs until April 24th, so hopefully we can make our way to the top.”
Canadians can vote once per day at nextgreatsave.ca. Turner also invites the public to an open house on Saturday, April 18th to see the architecture firsthand.
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