Restoration Society supporters recognize the magnificent St. Patrick’s Church as more than average real estate. It transcends religious denominations. It is part of our heritage.
It is fitting to recall the circumstances of the Saint himself. Saint Patrick (387-461) is one of the world's most popular saints. When he returned to Ireland in 432, Patrick began preaching the Gospel and teaching literacy throughout the land. From these beginnings, Ireland, with its isolated position on the edge of Europe, was able to play a role in preserving the classical literature and heritage of the western tradition following the collapse of Rome and the centuries-long disorder which prevailed in Europe.
It's about Patrick, Kildare under Brigid, Columba in Iona, Aidan of Lindisfarne, Whitby under Hilda, and thousands of simple men and women inspired by the Christian ideal. St. Patrick's Church was built on top of this history.
Threat of Closure
In the Spring of 2007, parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church, Halifax, were advised their church would be closed. In response, a few months later on August 15th, Saint Patrick’s Church Restoration Society was incorporated, separate and apart from the church, with objects which include raising funds for the repair and restoration of St. Patrick’s Church.
Phase #1: Operational Support
Some two years later, on June 16, 2009, the Restoration Society entered into an Agreement with the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Halifax, owner of the St. Patrick’s Church building. The Agreement provided a framework for the Society to carry out repairs and restoration of the church building. Additionally, the Agreement required the Society to pay operating and maintenance costs of the church building, including the cost of utilities, property taxes, and property insurance premiums.
From the outset, the Restoration Society engaged in a broad spectrum of fundraising activities to save this beautiful Gothic church. It receives generous donations from across the entire community of Halifax. This continuing support has allowed St. Patrick’s to remain open.
Phase #2: Capital Restoration
The Restoration Society is currently concluding arrangements with St. Patrick’s Parish and the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation, with a view to having the Parish assume building operating costs. This will free the Society to focus on capital restoration and the deep renewal of the fabric of St. Patrick's for the next generation which include such projects as:
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Repairs and restoration to the bell tower
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Plaster and fresco restoration and preservation
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Maintenance and Preservation of the working Casavant organ
We look forward to this new phase of work. If you have the skills and drive to help us with this new effort, or can help us in other ways, please get in touch with us now. It takes a whole community to restore a church and we are deeply grateful for your help and support in all ways.
Circa 1918. Photograph courtesy of the Casavant Frères Archives 1955-05-04
Present Day, fully functioning Casavant organ
Support our Parish:
Maintaining and restoring the living history of Saint Patrick's requires ongoing financial support. Through CanadaHelps.org, we are able to put 100% of your donations to work and all donations over $20 will receive a charitable donation receipt. Any amount will be of service and we are grateful for your support of our efforts to preserve this beautiful church for more generations to enjoy.
Legacy Planning:
Perhaps you or a loved one would like to remember Saint Patrick's in their will. The document below has all the information regarding this process and we would be happy to arrange a time to go through things in person to acknowledge your generosity.
Dates and times for the series:
Dates: Tuesdays - Oct. 22 - Nov. 27
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Saint Patrick’s Church, 2263 Brunswick St.
(parking available in south parking lot)
Contemplative Prayer Series
Tuesdays Noon - 1:00 p.m.
from Oct. 22 - Nov. 27 in St. Patrick's Church.
Would you like to deepen your spiritual life? Do you hunger for a deeper relationship with God? We encourage you to pay attention to your soul. Come join us for a 6-week series in a relaxed gathering where we will explore the inner life.
We will practice contemplative prayers that help us to pay more attention to these inner yearnings and feed our spiritual hunger. We will do this through simple practices of stillness, awareness of breath, and silence in the beauty of the Sacred within and around us.
You have a Sacred Sanctuary within you; come and spend unhurried time in this blessed place. Come each evening or simply come to one session if that is all you can manage with your time. No registration is needed.
The 6 series will be led by St. Patrick’s parishioner Linda Longmire. Linda is trained and experienced in Christian contemplative spiritual practice, completing two programs from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation: Leading Contemplative Retreats and Spiritual Guidance. Linda has led many small groups for contemplative prayer and is currently on the faculty of the Atlantic Contemplative Centre.
This calendar is updated regularly and can be synched with your Google calendar on your computer and devices. We look forward to seeing you!