Our Spiritual, Cultural and ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
The arrival of the Loyalists in the 1780s brought certain architectural principles which, along with traditional Acadian craftsfmanship, created many houses of worship. These heralded an impressive spiritual, cultural and architectural legacy.
On the tiny Lamèque Island community of Petite-Rivière-de-l'Île, you'll find Sainte-Cécile Church. Built in 1813, and renowned for its colourful interior decor and magnificent acoustics, it draws in hundreds of early-music aficionados during the Lamèque International Baroque Music Festival every July.
The Saint-Henri de Barachois Church is the oldest wooden church in Acadia (1826). It now houses a museum, an art gallery and an auditorium where you can explore a unique collection of traditional religious objects and vestments.
With its spire rising almost 61 m (200 ft.) toward the sky, Christ Church Cathedral dominates the Fredericton skyline. This magnificent example of Gothic-revival architecture stands proudly overlooking the St. John River. You can view the many art and architectural treasures within its historic walls.
The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Edmundston, in a parish formerly dedicated to Our Lady of Petit-Saut or Our Lady of Madawaska, reflects a mixture of Roman and Gothic style and in 2001 was named a Provincial Historic Site.
More recent creations of note include the Catholic Church at Saint-Isidore (1908) with its stunning baroque interior; and Moncton’s towering Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral (1940).
Travellers with an appetite for the spiritual and the culinary will find both in abundance at the Trinity United Church Lobster Supper. For two days each summer, you can sample the best lobster in the world, as well as local hospitality at its finest at the Trinity United Church in Shediac.
For more information, read a detailed historical overview of New Brunswick Architecture written by John Leroux.