"St George's Church and Community" - Rise Again! (Fire and Restoration)

Disaster Strikes

courtesy Halifax Herald On June 2, 1994, fire badly damaged Saint George’s Round Church, destroying one-third of this much-loved building, which is designated a National Historic Site because of its importance to the architectural and social history of Canada.

The Public Responded Immediately

After the fire, donations flooded in unsought. It quickly became obvious that the people of Halifax and Canada wanted the building restored.

courtesy Halifax Herald A difficult decision

With the support of the Bishop of Nova Scotia, the congregation (which was worshipping in the church hall) decided that it was willing to undertake the massive task of restoring its church. Important elements in this decision were a reluctance to break up the congregation and a desire to maintain the church’s long-established mission in the north end of Halifax.

Raising the money

courtesy Alvin Comiter The cost of restoration was set at $6 million and a fundraising campaign began. Help from all three levels of government was assured and individuals, churches, corporations, charitable foundations and heritage groups gave generously.

1995: Physical Restoration

Early in 1995, restoration began. Skilled architects, engineers, craftspeople and materials were all found right here in Nova Scotia.

courtesy Bob Bentley

November 1995: During the summer of 1995, a huge unit comprising the roof and upper drum was built in the parking lot next to the church. In November, it was lifted into place. A new cupola was also lifted and the repaired weathervane was once more part of the Halifax skyline.

1996/1997: A debt-free restoration

courtesy Karen Westhaver A decision had been made not to borrow money for restoration, so work was undertaken only as funds became available. In 1996 and 1997, the interior was slowly and painstakingly restored. As work continued, the parish returned to worship in the half-finished building.

During 1998, the pews and interior details were completed.

courtesy Bob Bentley

2000: As the new millennium began, the campaign reached its final $4.6 Million goal, making it possible to finish the restoration. In 2002, the project was completed with the installation of a fine new organ in the church.