St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church
Middle Lahave
1836 – 2016 (deconsecrated)
Erected in 1836 in the community known as East LaHave Ferry, St. Bartholomew’s is the oldest church on the LaHave River. The land upon which the church stands was originally owned by Charles Pernette and was deeded to the Right Rev. John Inglis, the third Bishop of Nova Scotia on July 8, 1846.
The first minister of the church was the Rev. James C. Cochrane who until 1852 was the Rector of St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg. St. Bartholomew’s remained part of St. John’s parish until 1896 when St. Matthew’s Church (Upper LaHave) was organized and the Rev. D. Harris became rector of the Parish of LaHave.
Although the church overlooks the peaceful LaHave River in Nova Scotia, church researcher M. Allen Gibson wrote:
” it seems paradoxical that this place of prayer bears the name of one of the twelve apostles who met such a violent death. Flayed alive and then crucified with his head downwards, Bartholomew suffered a cruel martyrdom”
The shield on the outside of the church depicts three flaying knives as a symbol of Bartholomew’s agony.
St. Bartholomew’s has been described as an English classic building. The early church had a gallery and was plastered inside with lime. In 1890 it was remodelled with new pews and false rafters installed. The church bell was originally used in the Dayspring School. In 1963, the church was raised and put on concrete cement blocks. The church was closed and deconsecrated in 2016 due to a significant decline in the congregation. Fortunately for this community and for Nova Scotia the church owners have taken over the care of this landmark church so as to preserve and ensure it continues to grace the eastern shoreline of the LaHave River.
Over the years many items have been donated to the church. While it is impossible in a summary such as this to include them all, the following list indicates some of the milestones in St. Bartholomew’s history
1899 The present altar was given by the rector, the Reverend and Mrs. Llewellyn Romilly
1930 The chancel rail was donated by Mrs. Reuben Pentz
1963 The church was raised and placed on concrete blocks at a cost of $3200. Later an oil furnace was installed
1967 The church was rewired and a sanctuary lamp installed. The present carpet was laid and the font cover donated
1972 Of particular significance is the stained glass east window purchased from the Wippell-Mowbray Co. of Exeter, England. Past rector, G.P. Pritchard has pointed out that the scene depicts the moment after our Lord had made the announcement (St. Mark 16:18) “One of you which eateth with Me shall betray Me” and the questioning replies of the disciples, “Is it I?”
1974 A new electronic organ was installed
There are other items that have become associated with the church over the years. The blue flower vases were given by Eliza and Margaret Pernette who kept the local post office. These sisters were related to Charles Pernette, the original owner of the land upon which the church was erected. The Hymn Boards and Flower Cross were made by William Schrader. The bell was originally used in the Dayspring school.
Throughout the church there are many plaques recognising the donations made to St. Bartholomew’s
Acknowledgement is made and appreciation expressed to the following people whose earlier efforts at chronicling the history of St. Bartholomew’s have made this brief outline possible
- Gwendolyn J. Lohnes, who as a grade ten student in 1946-47 wrote The History of Middle LaHave proving background to the community of Middle LaHave.
- M. Allen Gibson for information he researched and presented in his publication Churches by the Sea printed in the Halifax Chronicle Herald, May 15, 1963
- The Reverend Doctor G.P. Pritchard, retired rector of the Parish of LaHave, for documenting the early history and milestones in the life of St. Bartholomew’s Church
