Holy Trinity Church (Parish of Wilmot)

Holy Trinity Church is an Anglican parish located in Middleton, Nova Scotia, Canada, operating within the Parish of Wilmot. The church serves as a center for worship and community activities in the Annapolis Valley region and is part of the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. It is recognized for its historical significance and its longstanding role in the spiritual life of the local community.

Historical Background

The origins of Holy Trinity Church are closely linked to the establishment of the Old Holy Trinity Church, a nearby historic structure built in the late 18th century. Construction of the Old Holy Trinity Church began in 1789 under the supervision of Reverend John Wiswall, a missionary with the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. The land was granted by Governor John Parr, and the church was designed under the influence of Bishop Charles Inglis, modeled after the architectural style of Christopher Wren in England. The first service was held in 1791, with completion and addition of the steeple finalized in 1797. Reverend Wiswall served as the first rector until his death in 1812[2][3][4][5].

The Old Holy Trinity Church

Old Holy Trinity Church is considered a Nova Scotia Heritage Site and is notable for being one of the only unaltered Georgian-style churches of its kind in the region. Although no longer used for regular worship services, it remains consecrated and is maintained by the Old Holy Trinity Charitable Trust, a registered charity focused on preserving the church and educating the public about its historical and cultural importance. The church hosts annual services, weddings, baptisms, funerals, and community events like Christmas carol presentations. It serves as a poignant memorial to the early settlers and Loyalist refugees who built and attended the church[2][3][4].

Parish of Wilmot and Contemporary Church

Today, the Parish of Wilmot includes Holy Trinity Church as an active congregation, continuing the Anglican tradition in the area. The parish operates two churches and focuses on glorifying and serving God within the local community. The church at 45 Main Street in Middleton functions as a hub for weekly worship and other parish activities. The parish maintains a strong connection to its heritage, acknowledging the spiritual and historical roots established by the Old Holy Trinity Church[1][2].

Governance and Charitable Status

Holy Trinity Church operates as a Canadian nonprofit organization registered under the business number 134784396RR0001. The church and associated charitable trust benefit from community support and donations, which are used to maintain the historic church buildings and support parish activities.

This summary provides an overview of Holy Trinity Church's history, heritage, and present-day role in the Parish of Wilmot, reflecting its importance as both a place of worship and a cultural landmark in Nova Scotia.