The Friends of St. James United Church Heritage Society of Spry Bay is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration, maintenance, and preservation of the St. James United Church heritage site located in Spry Bay, Nova Scotia. Established in June 2005, the Society focuses on protecting the cultural and historical integrity of this important community landmark[1][4][5].

History and Background

St. James United Church, constructed between 1872 and 1874, is a small wood-frame building featuring a steeply pitched roof and a square tower. The church sits on a rectangular lot that also contains a cemetery. It holds significant heritage value due to its importance to the founding families of Spry Bay, serving as a center for religious services and community activities. The church was initially built by local men under the leadership of a Mr. Walters, using lumber harvested from nearby Grand Lake. After being nearly completed, it was destroyed by the August Gale of 1872 but was rebuilt under the direction of the MacLeod brothers, and officially opened on January 24, 1874, by Reverend John Waddell and Dr. Sedgewick[3].

The church was actively used for worship and community meetings until 1969, after which it became vacant. Recognizing the historical significance of the site and the need to preserve it, the Friends of St. James United Church Heritage Society was formed in 2005 to take on the responsibility of caring for the church and cemetery[3][4].

Mission and Objectives

The Society's mission is to acquire title to the St. James United Church site, renovate and maintain the building, and preserve both the church and its graveyard as an important heritage site in Spry Bay. The organization aims to protect the character and cultural integrity of the village and the broader Eastern Shore region by ensuring that the site remains intact. It serves as a historic and visual reminder of the courage, faith, and strength of the area's first settlers.

Through their preservation efforts, the Society seeks to honor the memory of the fishing pioneers who built and sustained the church, hoping to maintain it as a beacon of heritage for future generations. The restored structure is intended to provide descendants and visitors alike with a tangible connection to the past, reinforcing a sense of continuity, strength, and purpose drawn from the pioneer spirit of the Eastern Shore[5].

Activities and Recognition

The Friends of St. James United Church Heritage Society is registered as a nonprofit organization under Canadian law, offering income tax receipts for donations to support its restoration and perpetual care activities. The Society remains active in organizing events and fundraising efforts to sustain its preservation work and to maintain the church and cemetery site for the community and posterity[1][4][5].

Heritage Designation

The church, cemetery, and surrounding lot have been recognized as a historic place, with the designation reflecting their cultural and historical significance to Spry Bay and Nova Scotia. The site embodies the architectural style and community heritage of the late 19th century and remains an important symbol of local history[3].

This article summarizes the role of the Friends of St. James United Church Heritage Society of Spry Bay in preserving a valuable cultural landmark and highlights the historical importance of the St. James United Church site within the Nova Scotia community.