Old St. Edward's Church & the Loyalists

Old St. Edward's Church & the Loyalists

When the United Empire Loyalists came to Nova Scotia as refugees after the American Revolution some took up land around Clementsport in Annapolis County between 1783 and 1784. This is the story of the church built by them and completed in 1795, making it one of the oldest remaining in Nova Scotia. Bishop Charles Inglis consecrated it as an Anglican Church in 1797. The book also includes colour photographs of 20 headstones in the adjoining cemetery that mark the graves of Dutch and English Loyalists who built the church. Brian McConnell, UE has a growing collection of published work split between the Loyalists and his research into the Orange Lodge. This recent book puts the focus back on the Loyalists. Old St. Edward's Anglican Church is located in Clementsport, Annapolis County, NS, and construction began in 1793 with consecration in 1797 by Bishop Charles Inglis. Many of the founding families in the area had Dutch ancestry. The Loyalist Ditmars family donated the land for the Church, and as a bonus the early Ditmars house still stands. As with Brian's other books, there is a generous number of photos. One can get an impression of how the Church stands and appears from various angles, thanks to several photos. As well, there are plenty of photos of grave markers featuring such names as Ditmars, Vroom, Bohme, Jones, Polhemus, Van Horn, Purdy, and Ryarson (sic). Most have the unmistakable outline of the 18th century. It is by good fortune that Old St. Edward's still exists. It was replaced in 1894 and demolition seemed to be in its future. From 1916 onwards, the popular sentiment changed towards preservation and today the Church hosts commemorative services and houses a museum. Can't help but draw some companison's to Ontario's Hay Bay (Methodist) Church which dates to 1792, as both were dependent on involvement by Loyalists. Both came close to being lost. There are differences as Old Hay Bay Church is a more humble structure, and few of the grave markers have survived, whereas Old St. Edward's is rich in that regard. For those of us living a good distance from Nova Scotia, Brian's books have given us a better understanding of the Loyalists contributions in that Province and especially a better sense of the visual record of their times. Keep the books coming! Peter W Johnson, UE, President of Quinte Branch UEL Association, Past President, UELAC of Canada Brian McConnell is a retired lawyer,  genealogist, and historian.   Articles and stories by him about United Empire Loyalists have been published by Historic Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Genealogist,  the Loyalist Gazette, and Loyalist Trails email newsletter.  As well he has authored five books about United Empire Loyalists. He has also volunteered as a Dominion Trustee, Regional Vice - Present (Atlantic) and President of the Nova Scotia Branch of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada.