‘We call it the Acadian monument’: Feasibility study expected to start in spring for former Saint-Bernard Church property in Digby County

DIGBY COUNTY – When it comes to what can be done with a majestic 14,000-square foot granite building, the possibilities are endless.

There’s lots of ideas, says Jean LeBlanc, president of Société Héritage Saint-Bernard, which along with the Nation Prospère Acadie (Nation Prospère) purchased the historic former Saint-Bernard Church in Digby County on July 28.

The two non-profit charitable Acadian organizations began the process to purchase the in Saint Bernard property in April, initiating an ongoing fundraising campaign with a $2.5-million goal.

LeBlanc said some of the ideas being tossed around for its future are a venue for concerts and light and laser shows, talk about putting office space in the basement, a viewing tower in one of the steeples, apartments or a place for artists or even artists in residence.

“It’s a huge space with lots of possibilities but we need lots of money to do it,” he said.

Repairs

First thing on the agenda though is fixing the roof.

“The main priority is fixing the roof. We want to put a copper roof on it. It’s guaranteed for 50 years but it would last longer than that. Once the roof is fixed, the building won’t be leaking anymore and we will have more time to think about what we want to go in there,” said LeBlanc.

The roof replacement is estimated to cost around $700,000. Updating the heating and electrical systems, repairing water damage, possible window replacement, and plumbing are also on the list.

“If all goes well, the roof may begin in late spring or early summer,” said LeBlanc. “The feasibility study, we hope to get it started this spring, we’ve been talking to some people at ACOA, we’re hoping it will be done early summer.”

The Municipality of Clare has agreed to contribute $10,000 towards the cost of the feasibility study.

World Acadian Congress

LeBlanc said there are also plans to upgrade the bathrooms in the spring and early summer in time for the World Acadian Congress (Congrès mondial acadien 2024), being hosted in southwestern Nova Scotia on Aug. 10-18 in the municipalities of Clare and Argyle.

“This summer, two of the families are planning to have their family reunions there” in the former church as part of the World Acadian Congress, said LeBlanc adding there is at least one concert coming in the springtime.

More than 25 family reunions are in the works for CMA 2024.

History

The construction of Saint-Bernard Church started in 1910 and was completed 32 years later in 1942. It is one of the largest stone buildings in Atlantic Canada.

“We call it the Acadian monument because it was the Acadians who built it over 32 years and maintained it,” said LeBlanc. “It took 18 years to bring all the granite (from Shelburne). I’ve been trying to find out all the history I can about the church. Nobody died during the construction of the church but two people lost an eye chiseling granite, no safety glasses back then.”

Considering the two non-profits have only owned the building a little over six months now, it’s just baby steps getting things lined up, said LeBlanc.

“There are six or seven different projects people are working on,” he said, adding things will soon start moving forward.

“A lot of people want to see the building saved. There’s a lot of community support.”