Historic St. George's Church
119 Charlotte Street B1P 6J1 Sydney, NS, Canada

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of Barb Miller and Anne Lewis grants were awarded by the Province of Nova Scotia and CBRM allowing us to replace our 70+ year old chimney. The work was done by Mark Lawrence. Thank you Mark for doing a great job, it was no easy feat. The first photo is the old chimney. Look closely you can see the missing bricks. It reminds us of a Jenga game. Not a good look. The other photos are of the new chimney. It looks great! Great job by all involved!

The Parish of the Resurrection hosted Infinitely More back in June 2019 as an introduction of their music ministry to Sydney. We had hoped to host them in conce...rt during the spring of this year but unfortunately the pandemic happened. We do hope to host them again in the not too distant future ...but in the meantime Allison and Gerald have asked us to share this invite of their free final concert of their Online Tour ...tune in on Sat Nov 21 at 4pm Eastern time! Infinitely More's 10th Anniversary Cross Canada ONLINE TOUR! Join us Saturday, November 21 for our Grand Finale Concert! Celebrating a decade of touring and sharing a preview of our next musical chapter! FREE to view! Freewill offering to support the valuable work of Home Again Furniture Bank in St. John’s, NL. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=C9VAH238DQZ9E Saturday, November 21. 4pm ET Airing live on: www.Facebook.com/InfinitelyMoreBand www.Youtube.com/InfinitelyMoreBand

The Parish of the Resurrection hosted Infinitely More back in June 2019 as an introduction of their music ministry to Sydney. We had hoped to host them in conce...rt during the spring of this year but unfortunately the pandemic happened. We do hope to host them again in the not too distant future ...but in the meantime Allison and Gerald have asked us to share this invite of their free final concert of their Online Tour ...tune in on Sat Nov 21 at 4pm Eastern time! Infinitely More's 10th Anniversary Cross Canada ONLINE TOUR! Join us Saturday, November 21 for our Grand Finale Concert! Celebrating a decade of touring and sharing a preview of our next musical chapter! FREE to view! Freewill offering to support the valuable work of Home Again Furniture Bank in St. John’s, NL. https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=C9VAH238DQZ9E Saturday, November 21. 4pm ET Airing live on: www.Facebook.com/InfinitelyMoreBand www.Youtube.com/InfinitelyMoreBand

From Danese McDonald. #96-98 Charlotte Street - Cape Breton Post. May 15, 2010. -A valuable piece of Sydney's cultural heritage.... -Dendrochronological analysis revealed the structure to be one of the oldest dwellings in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. -The 1795 James Miller map of Sydney reveals the property belonged to United Empire Loyalist William Plant, who in 1795, resided there with his wife Sarah and 5 of their children. - In 2010, with the interior damaged by fire; the structure was boarded up with the recommendation for demolition. -What was the fate of this dwelling that speaks to the Colonial Era of Sydney's history? Anyone know?

A day to remember. Victoria Park Armoury is the oldest consistently active military base since the early 1780’s. The longest standing military base in North America. St George’s was built as a Garrison (military) Church between 1785 and 1791. It remains the Garrison Church of Victoria Park. Canadians have served in the Napoleonic War, War of 1812, Crimean War, Boar War, Crimean War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Afghan War and as United Nations Peace Keepers thro...ughout the world in Germany to Rwanda to Sarajevo. Wether home or abroad Built in 1785, St. George's Church is the oldest standing building in Sydney and the oldest church on Cape Breton Island. St. George's is a church of England with royal foundation and was originally built by King George III in what is now downtown Sydney. To learn more please visit us at Historic St George’s on Facebook.

From Danese McDonald. #96-98 Charlotte Street - Cape Breton Post. May 15, 2010. -A valuable piece of Sydney's cultural heritage.... -Dendrochronological analysis revealed the structure to be one of the oldest dwellings in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. -The 1795 James Miller map of Sydney reveals the property belonged to United Empire Loyalist William Plant, who in 1795, resided there with his wife Sarah and 5 of their children. - In 2010, with the interior damaged by fire; the structure was boarded up with the recommendation for demolition. -What was the fate of this dwelling that speaks to the Colonial Era of Sydney's history? Anyone know?

Beautiful pictures of our Beautiful Maple Queen. Long Live The QueenGod Save The Queen

A day to remember. Victoria Park Armoury is the oldest consistently active military base since the early 1780’s. The longest standing military base in North America. St George’s was built as a Garrison (military) Church between 1785 and 1791. It remains the Garrison Church of Victoria Park. Canadians have served in the Napoleonic War, War of 1812, Crimean War, Boar War, Crimean War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Afghan War and as United Nations Peace Keepers thro...ughout the world in Germany to Rwanda to Sarajevo. Wether home or abroad Built in 1785, St. George's Church is the oldest standing building in Sydney and the oldest church on Cape Breton Island. St. George's is a church of England with royal foundation and was originally built by King George III in what is now downtown Sydney. To learn more please visit us at Historic St George’s on Facebook.

St George’s, Victoria Park and Sydney Harbour St George’s was built by King George III as a Garrison (Military) Church. It was for the Garrison that is today known as Victoria Park. It is still the official Garrison Church of Victoria Park. Which is the Oldest Continually utilized Military Post in all of North America. ... Photo This section contains one Royal Canadian Air Force aerial photo of Victoria Park and a convoy in Sydney Harbour, taken in June, 1942. Also included is a restored version of the photo. Aerial Photo of Victoria Park and a Convoy in Sydney Harbour Sydney, NS June 11, 1942 The photo was taken by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Photographer: RCAF Photo Ref. Number: 11-4 (2.1) Image Information: Scan of original photo Source: Donald MacLeod Collection, South Bar, NS, 2011 Restored and Enlarged Version of the Photo The north end of Victoria Park is on the bottom left of the photo. Note the military vehicles, the motorcycles training in the open area, and the construction of new buildings.George Street runs vertically through the centre of the photo. Note the convoy formed up in Sydney Harbour. Westmount is across the harbour. North Sydney would be in the distance.

To all the Souls we pray for today. We keep especially the souls of Jean Francois Milot and Jimmy MacNeil in our hearts today. May the light perpetual shine upon them and the love of God hold them and all they left behind, in his grace. Amen

Happy First Day of Fall from the volunteers of Historic St Georges to all of you. . Thank you to all who support us in protecting this one of the most historicly significant building in Nova Scotia and Canada. Cape Bretons Oldest Church c1785 and Sydneys oldest building. St Georges is designated both a CBRM and Provincial Historic Site. We think this should be a National Historic Site. What do you think?

From Danese MacDonald. Did not know this Cape Breton/Orangemen history .... .... .... The War Memorial in Sydney’s Wentworth Park is impressive and unique, commemorating men killed in the First and Second World Wars who belonged to the Loyal Orange Lodge of Cape Breton.... War Memorials are located in communities around Nova Scotia, but none are like the one in Wentworth Park in Sydney, Cape Breton. The monument is very impressive, standing well over three metres high, and is inscribed with the names of 61 Nova Scotians killed in the First and Second World Wars. These men were all members of Orange Lodges in Cape Breton County. The Loyal Orange Lodge (L.O.L.) traces back to Ireland. The first Orange Lodges took their name from William, Prince of Orange. William became King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1689-1702, and defeated a Catholic King, James II, at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The Orange Lodge was brought to Nova Scotia by British soldiers. Membership to the Orange Lodge in Nova Scotia was open to all Protestant adult males who took an oath of loyalty to the British Crown and pledged to maintain the Order’s historical connections with Great Britain and Northern Ireland. On July 12 in a different town each year, Orangemen held a large parade to celebrate the Battle of the Boyne. Members were outfitted in sashes and regalia and attended a special religious service to mark the occasion. The loyalty of Orange members to England meant Orangemen enlisted in the First World War in much greater numbers than the rest of the population. (Edited) .. https://historicnovascotia.ca/items/show/153. ..

Beautiful pictures of our Beautiful Maple Queen. Long Live The QueenGod Save The Queen

Still so hard to believe youve left us Dear Friend RIP

St George’s, Victoria Park and Sydney Harbour St George’s was built by King George III as a Garrison (Military) Church. It was for the Garrison that is today known as Victoria Park. It is still the official Garrison Church of Victoria Park. Which is the Oldest Continually utilized Military Post in all of North America. ... Photo This section contains one Royal Canadian Air Force aerial photo of Victoria Park and a convoy in Sydney Harbour, taken in June, 1942. Also included is a restored version of the photo. Aerial Photo of Victoria Park and a Convoy in Sydney Harbour Sydney, NS June 11, 1942 The photo was taken by the Royal Canadian Air Force. Photographer: RCAF Photo Ref. Number: 11-4 (2.1) Image Information: Scan of original photo Source: Donald MacLeod Collection, South Bar, NS, 2011 Restored and Enlarged Version of the Photo The north end of Victoria Park is on the bottom left of the photo. Note the military vehicles, the motorcycles training in the open area, and the construction of new buildings.George Street runs vertically through the centre of the photo. Note the convoy formed up in Sydney Harbour. Westmount is across the harbour. North Sydney would be in the distance.

This explains how the properties in the northern Parish lands were distributed and when Napean Street came to be. Sydney. 1790-1900. Interesting tidbits of history. Thanks for sharing Danese McDonald. - Dec. 1790. William Blackburn and John Storey are named as merchants who bought lot A in Block 27. Today this is 54 Charlotte Street in Sydney.... - By 1795, there were eight-five houses in Sydney, as follows: ... 27 Private dwelling-houses inhabited ... 17 uninhabited ... 27 in ruins ...14 Public Buildings -1795. The total number of inhabitants was only 121 of which approximately 26 were ready to leave. - In 1803, Lot 4, William Plant was given this land next door to his (he already had Lot 3 in 1786). The Plant family remained in the home on Charlotte Street until the lot was sold to Thomas Dobson. - 1809. Dobson subsequently sold the property [included in the sale was lots #3 and #4] to William Brown Jr. It remained with successive generations of the Brown family until 1857. - 1820 - Peter Delisle, a native of Guernsey, three years in Cape Breton, granted lots 4,5,6, and 7, in front of block C, Sydney; erected a small Methodist meeting house which until 1866 stood on the West side of Charlotte Street and about two hundred yards from the Park Gate. In 1866, the old chapel was superseded on the same plot by a new church. This newer church (Jubilee), was moved, in 1880, from the original site to a more central position on the corner of Dorchester and George Streets. - 1861 Census: Sydney - Number of Households: 375. Ref.: http://www.krausehouse.ca/krause/BlockCSydneyCB.html

On a sunny September morning 19 years ago the volunteers of St Georges were preparing to open for a day greeting visitors from the cruise ships. Most of the visitors in port that day were American. It was near 10 am AST. Nobody realized what a Historical day this was to become. As always the volunteers began greeting happy vacationing people. It started that way but within the half hour stories began circulating from passengers who had been watching the events on the ship. V...isitors started coming on mass to pray. The Reverend of The Parish of St Georges arrived soon after. She realized that the church was hosting American guests and got to the church as quickly as she could. When the Reverend Lori Ramsey arrived she immediately went to the royal pew, pictured here. The old Church was filled with people kneeling in prayer and sobbing. They were in shock, outside their homeland while it was under attact. Fear, sorrow, heartache, worry and anger filled the church. Reverend Ramsey began to Council the people. She spent the following three days administering to the hearts of our American cousins. She sat in this pew from dawn to dusk listening and trying to bring comfort; to help the broken-hearted fathom the unbelievable. God Bless America we mourn with you today.

From 2014 a hauntingly beautiful look at St George’s Graveyard. St George’s has graves dating back to 1785. Resting place to Statesmen, commoner and slaves. https://youtu.be/UyalEZkjUGA

Ready for the Harvest.

From Old Sydney Society - Bank Museum

The wooden tower in front of St Georges was blown down in this gale. It stretched across Charlotte Street. The bell was of course blown down. The bell was found 1.5 km south of the church near what is now Wentworth Park. The bell tower was not replaced until 1888. This time a stone tower made, like the church, from stone from the demolished Fortress of Louisbourg. A new bell was put in the new tower. It was created from remnant weapons of the Crimean War. Some say it was guns melted down some say it was from a cannon. Another of the St Georges stories in need of more research.

Photographers now days are calling themselves Visual Storytellers ...and yes that's true - every photo tells a story. In the past 5 years I have taken hundreds ...of photos while volunteering at Historic St George's Church greeting tourists and cruise ship passengers ...and yes they tell stories ...but they only scratch the surface of the stories we volunteers have lived while conversing in mission with thousands of people from all over the world. Sadly, St George's sat quietly this year due to the pandemic ...and it may take several years before we return to anything resembling what we knew as normal. For that small group of us at Historic St George's and for all who volunteer in Old Sydney - we miss this and we are pained to have lost this year! Adding to our pain is the sudden loss of our beloved Jim McNeil ...pictured here at our little 110 year old boutique pipe organ. God Bless your spirit Jim ...in due time we will hold a memorial in your honor! See more

Today a funeral will be held in Glace Bay for Jimmy MacNeil. He was the greatest of friends and volunteers of St Georges. To say he will be missed by all of us who worked beside him and learned and shared his passion is a gross understatement. You will never be replaced our co-conspirator and friend. This video just recorded Easter Sunday(2020) past, gives a beautiful insight to Jimmys first love at St Georges, the 1910 Casevant Organ. Together with his dear friend Jean Fr...ancois Milot over the past four years they completely restored the organ. The week Jimmy passed he planned on painting the back vestry room(outside) he had bought the paint on his own dime of course. Words cant describe the loss of Jim to us. We were just a small part of the community Jimmy put his hand to in Cape Breton. I believe he is one degree of separation from most Capers and was a dear friend, man of action and humanitarian to all people and groups he touched. Most of all Jimmy loved his family. We cannot fathom the depth of loss this is to those who knew him best and loved him. To Joanie and his children and adopted children your pain and grief we only wish we could take away. Rest easy good man your work here is done.

The sun danced beautifully this quiet Autumn morning at St George’s.

Viva Chorale is very saddened to hear of Jimmy McNeil's passing Those of us who were fortunate enough to visit the Maritime's last July will remember him fondly.... He made our choir's Cape Breton visit so very memorable, from giving us a tour of the Miner's Museum to hosting that fabulous lobster feast for us all at his Loch Lomond cottage. For our choir, he will forever be the very essence of friendship and hospitality. So sad to hear that he's gone. See more

Jimmy MacNeil playing the organ at St Georges Church Glad Tidings Benefit Concert in 2019. This was a concert organized by Jimmy each year in December for the upkeep and preservation of the Church. Rest easy dear friend. We dont know what we are going to do without you, we shall carry on with beloved memory of your great love, vision and passion for Cape Bretons Oldest Church. Photo used by permission of Mellisa MacNeil. Photographer Joan Roach.

Viva Chorale is very saddened to hear of Jimmy McNeils passing Those of us who were fortunate enough to visit the Maritimes last July will remember him fondly.... He made our choirs Cape Breton visit so very memorable, from giving us a tour of the Miners Museum to hosting that fabulous lobster feast for us all at his Loch Lomond cottage. For our choir, he will forever be the very essence of friendship and hospitality. So sad to hear that hes gone. See more

Published in todays edition of the Cape Breton Post. Please pay special attention to the last section (regarding public health guidelines)

This obituary has been prepared by Jimmys family and is shared on this page with their permission. MCNEIL, James Henry (12 October, 1944-2 August, 2020). Glac...e Bay With incredible sadness we announce the passing of James Jimmy McNeil, son of Harry D. and Marie (neé LeBlanc). A fixture of the Cape Breton musical community, his absence will be strongly felt. Perhaps most well known as a pianist and organist, he was happiest when collaborating with others. Over five decades he formed, conducted, and led many choirs, including Wings of the Spectrum, the award-winning Glace Bay Schools Chorale, Island Voices, and most recently Coro Cantabile. He was organist and choral director at St. Marys Anglican Church (Glace Bay) for many years, as well as St. Annes Catholic Church (Glace Bay), Bethel Presbyterian Church (Sydney), Knox United Church (Glace Bay), and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (Sydney Mines). Additionally, he worked with the Men of the Deeps, Cape Breton Orchestra, the Highland Arts Theatre, and many local instrumentalists and singers. In 2017, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of attending the annual Bach Festival in Leipzig, Germany, and playing on many of Europes famous organs. He was humbled by the opportunity to perform on the instruments of his favorite composer and some of the worlds greatest performers. James was a tireless advocate of the arts and of the preservation of notable Cape Breton monuments. He dedicated, time, talent, energy, and personal resources to several not-for-profit institutions, including the Savoy Theatre, Calvin Presbyterian Church (Loch Lomond), and Historic St. Georges Heritage Committee. He organized countless fundraising concerts and events, and was instrumental in bringing many renowned classical music ensembles to Cape Breton for performances. His love of music and history were infectious he was a master at galvanizing a community around a worthy cause. Additionally, he was deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors in Cuba, a favorite vacation spot that quickly became a passion project. Through ensemble tours and fundraising initiatives, he made a lasting impact on the musical community there. His philanthropy also extended to childrens organizations in under-developed countries. With his wife Joan, James was a consummate host. From post-concert receptions at their home in Glace Bay to the infamous ceilidhs at their cottage in Loch Lomond, together they created a warm and inviting space that embraced all who entered it. Great music and great friendships were made over many memorable occasions. No newcomer, whether those arriving in Loch Lomond from Germany or young up-and-coming musicians on tour, went without an invitation to Jimmy and Joanies. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University, James taught English, history, music, and other subjects in Cape Breton Regional schools for 27 years, culminating at Glace Bay High School in 1997. He also taught piano, music theory, and singing to many in Glace Bay and surrounding area. James is survived by his loving wife Joan, children Bryson (Erin Guindon) and Bethany (Darrell Long), granddaughter Anna, sister Claire, and his extended family, the Robinsons and Renee Xie, who were deeply special to him. He also leaves countless friends and musical collaborators. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully accepts donations to the above-mentioned institutions. A funeral will be held at St. Annes Catholic Church (date TBA). See more

It is with profound sadness that the Heritage Committee of Historic St George's Church wish to share with you news of the sudden death of our beloved Jimmy MacNeil at his cottage in Loch Lomond today. To say that we are devastated is an understatement ...and the loss to the music community in Cape Breton is profound! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Joan and his family ...his "girls" in Coro Cantabile and to all who were touched by his genuine kindness, humor, and ...love of music ...especially old organs and historic churches! This is Jimmy playing a few hymns during the intermission of the last fund raising concert he put on for us at Historic St George's ...July 7, 2019 - Coast to Coast with Coro Cantabile and Viva Chorale. Rest easy dear friend ...you are now playing the pipes of praises to Jesus with your good friend Jean Francois! See more

Don't miss the Highland Arts Theatre's online telethon this coming Sunday. Look at this great lineup!

St Georges offers lots of great backgrounds for a selfie. Wed love to see them.

It is with profound sadness that the Heritage Committee of Historic St Georges Church wish to share with you news of the sudden death of our beloved Jimmy MacNeil at his cottage in Loch Lomond today. To say that we are devastated is an understatement ...and the loss to the music community in Cape Breton is profound! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Joan and his family ...his "girls" in Coro Cantabile and to all who were touched by his genuine kindness, humor, and ...love of music ...especially old organs and historic churches! This is Jimmy playing a few hymns during the intermission of the last fund raising concert he put on for us at Historic St Georges ...July 7, 2019 - Coast to Coast with Coro Cantabile and Viva Chorale. Rest easy dear friend ...you are now playing the pipes of praises to Jesus with your good friend Jean Francois! See more

Dont miss the Highland Arts Theatres online telethon this coming Sunday. Look at this great lineup!

This morning Im in Historic St Georges graveyard. It such a peaceful yet busy place. I brought a flower/dragonfly to put on this grave. This man was 64 years old when he died 200 years ago, this year. He was a member of His Majestys Council. This means he was a vestrymen of St Georges church. Which means he was elected to one of the few elected positions in the Colony of Cape Breton. The vestry of St Georges was the place where affairs of the colony were decided, the c...losest thing to a House of Assembly the Colony ever had. This man was like a Cape Breton MLA of his time. Oh to go back in time and sit and chat with him! Just imagine the stories he could share? Was he aligned with Cossit or Culeyr or was his time after them? What brought him to Cape Breton? Was he a loyalist? What did he think of the annexation of the Colony of Cape Breton to the Colony of Nova Scotia the very year, the year of his death, 1820? His name was Richard Stout Esq. Thank you for your service Mr Stout. May the light perpetual ever shine upon you, Rest In Peace.

If youre into Cape Breton History this page is for you! https://www.facebook.com/groups/3171241052935254/?ref=share

This is Kenneth Carmichael he is one of the friends of St Georges who cares for the old church and her graveyard. He does this all volunteer because he is an awesome person. Today we talked about how surreal this year is. We just never imagined this would happen when last we were animators in Sydneys North End. Come walk through our Graveyard, its beautiful because Kenneth keeps it so. Thank you Kenneth.

Would you like to own a piece of Sydneys History?

I found this online its a painting from Ireland. Imagine this is much like what the Northend of Sydney looked like back in 1791, no steeple on St Georges then not till 1821.

Adam Lay yBounden (15th century) The early 15th-century MIDDLE ENGLISH lyric beginning Adam lay ybounden is a fresh and lively lyric expression of the traditional theological concept of the felix culpa or fortunate fall. This doctrine held that while our first parents disobedience brought about the great evil of humanitys fall from grace, it also made necessary the great act of Gods loveour redemption through Christ; therefore, paradoxically, the fall was a happy one. I...Continue reading

https://historicplacesday.ca//historic-st-georges-church-/

Thank you Barb Miller this is beautiful

Historic St George's Church is 235 years old this year ...and we would love to have been able to celebrate that in many wonderful ways with our tourists and cruise ship passengers! Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we will not be having visitors this year ...which will hit really hard on our tourism fundraising efforts. If you are able, you can still contribute to our efforts as attached below. And, we will have to make next year extra special for missing celebrating 235 this year!

Celebrating 50 Years Service in the Anglican Church today, Reverend Glen Kent tireless supporter and friend of Historic St Georges.

Happy Holy Trinity Sunday! O God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in whose name we are baptized and into whose fellowship we have been received. We cling in fait...h to you, the only God. We praise you dear Father, for having loved us and sent your Son to die for our sins. We praise you dear Jesus, for having redeemed us from our sins by sacrificing yourself for us. We praise you, Holy Spirit, for having sanctified us for you gave us faith and through faith cleansed us from sin. O Triune God, graciously enable us always to believe and obey, and to worship and confess you; Creator, Redeemer and Sanctified, one God, eternal and all-glorious forever. Amen. See more

Historic St Georges Church is 235 years old this year ...and we would love to have been able to celebrate that in many wonderful ways with our tourists and cruise ship passengers! Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we will not be having visitors this year ...which will hit really hard on our tourism fundraising efforts. If you are able, you can still contribute to our efforts as attached below. And, we will have to make next year extra special for missing celebrating 235 this year!

We have approximately 40 slaves buried in unmarked graves in St Georges graveyard. This is an episode of CBCs Ideas that explores Canadas slavery secret. Afua Cooper is interviewed here. She has written an academic paper entitled Deluded and Ruined: Diana BastianEnslaved African Canadian Teenager and White Male Privilege about a young slave girl and her son buried in our graveyard. To read visit https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1165952.pdf

Burial record, Diana Bastian, Sept. 15th, 1792, General Return of Marriages, Deaths and Births within the District of Sydney from the 12th of April 1785 to the 1st June 1786 (p. 39). St. Georges Anglican Church fonds, MG 13.4. Beaton Institute, Cape Breton University. Thank you to the ladies of the Beaton Institute for getting this to us. We are blessed to have such a wonderful resource on Cape Breton Island.

A Blessed Pentecost Sunday to all!

A typical Cruise Ship Day four years ago. Its just so hard to believe we wont have a season this year. Im absolutely lost without it. I know this is the new reality but it feels so surreal. I just never realized how much joy it brought to my life. There is just something so wonderful about driving to the North End, on a beautiful morning like today. My heart always skips a beat when I first see the huge ship; usually coming over the hill. The majesty and beauty of the shi...ps always amazes me. When I get to the church and meet with my friends who I work with, God I miss them and our time together. There are people everywhere mulling about the North End. They are drawn to the church as soon as they see us at the door. They want to come in but we need a few minutes to prepare for the day. Then we open the doors and people stream in. We stand at the door and welcome each of them. Someone also is in the church and talk to them as the investigate the treasures of the old church. Much conversation is happening about everything from history to where and how we live, where they come from, God, politics, the food on the ship, the other places to see in Sydney, where to eat in Sydney to the amount of snow we get and beyond. Some come in and just sit in silence, some crew always come to pray. Then there are the walking tours. A rush of 20 tp 30 people. We guide them into the church. We then shine, we stand before them and tell them about our church. This is the most fun part because we have 10 minutes to share 235 years of History. We highlight all the most moving and interesting bits in a story with drama and laughter. We are performing and its such a blast. The more we get into it the more our visitors enjoy our storytelling. Connie and Anne Lewis do a presentation so engaging and funny is rivals Heuie and Allan. As the day wears on a solemnity comes over the church. This is when the crowd thins and the crew comes to quietly pray. It reminds us of the sacredness and importance of the church as a spiritual beacon. It seems to ground you after a busy day. Every year we welcome 25,000 visitors to St Georges. Thats more individuals than go into any church in Cape Breton these days. Her mission very non traditional than any other. She is probably the most active church on the island, with a transient congregation from all over the world and of all manners of spirituality. We as volunteers see our role as a mission and outreach as guides of the sacredness of the old Church. We welcome strangers as family in a sacred place where thousands have praised, petitioned and thanked God. It is truly a great honour to serve in such a capacity. Its a way of life I will be reflecting on through prayer and meditation. I will be so grateful when these days of service return, I will never take them for granted again. Every glorious moment of cruise ship days in Old Sydney. Words of a volunteer in service to Historic St Georges.

Graves of St Georges Graveyard. Listing available at: http://www.capebretongenweb.com/Cemeteries/cem51.html

Please listen to Mainstreet on CBC Cape Breton with Wendy Bergfeldt at 4:40 pm today. The work of the volunteers of St Georges will be discussed.

To read the tombstones in St Georges Graveyard please visit http://www.capebretongenweb.com/Cemeteries/cem51.html