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Our History
The history of St. Andrew's Church, Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada, dates back to 1822. In that year the Kirk people of Pictou were organized as a Congregation, given the name of St. Andrew's and services began in the old court house.
In the following year, 1823, a wooden church was erected on the present location, just in time for the arrival of the first minister in 1824, the Rev. Kenneth MacKenzie, a native of Stornoway, Scotland. The first wooden structure was replaced in 1866 by one of brick and stone.
However, during the pastorage of Rev. Andrew Armit, disaster struck the Kirk. On the evening of Tuesday, November 7, 1893, the great Gothic structure was razed by fire. Without delay, and with admirable energy, the Congregation proceeded to rebuild, and before returning to Scotland in 1896, Rev. Armit had the great satisfaction of seeing a new and even more beautiful Church opened for worship.
Tragedy nearly repeated itself in October of 2001 when the church steeple on the present structure was struck by lightning and caught fire. The fire was quickly extinguished and although the building incurred some fire, smoke and water damage, it could have been disastrous. Miraculously, the magnificent Cassavant pipe organ, located beneath the steeple, was completely spared. Consistent with the Congregation's history, repairs were soon completed and "The Kirk" restored to full service.
The present Congregation is made up of some 225 households in which there are about 201 communicant members. We have a strong Church School, Bible study, Choir, youth activities, committees and societies covering practically all age groups, including: Session, Board of Managers, Trustees, Atlantic Mission Society, Ladies Association, Bible Society.
We are very proud of our church and its history and committed to ensuring its continued prominence in our community's future.
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