"St George's Church and Community"

Saint George’s Round Church:
an architectural masterpiece

Less than 50 years after erecting their first tiny church, the congregation of Saint George’s built an architectural masterpiece which still stands as one of Canada’s national treasures. They created a magnificent three-tiered round wooden church in the Palladian style, the only one in Canada.

courtesy of NSARM Edward Duke of Kent, son of King George III and father of Queen Victoria, inspired the design for the church. During his term serving as military commander in Halifax (1794 to 1800), the Duke was impressed by the Reverend Bernard Houseal and encouraged him and his flock to be ambitious and daring as they planned their new church. The Duke helped to raise funds, including £200 from his royal father.

Photo courtesy Hedrich Blessing Photographers The original church was a simple circle. Between 1822 and 1827, a chancel and vestry were added, and a round porch. In 1835, an image of Halley’s Comet was added to the weathervane to commemorate the passing of the comet.

But the true glory of Saint George’s is in its interior, with its circular shape, its soaring arches, round-headed upper windows and fine umbrella dome.

Church Dome Interior

Church Interior

Pre-restoration interior