Potential seen in old Yarmouth County church

More in store for St. Stephen’s church in Tusket

It was like stepping back in time when a tea was held at St. Stephen’s church in Tusket recently, but those involved in the old Anglican church also are looking to the future, hoping to make more use of this historic building.

The church’s roof is to be repaired and painting is planned too. A grant application has been made and donations are welcome to help pay for the work.

St. Stephen’s church dates back over 170 years. The Parish of St. Stephen’s in Tusket was established in 1845. In 2010 it was amalgamated with the Parish of Holy Trinity in Yarmouth. The St. Stephen’s church building was deconsecrated in 2014, although the church’s cemetery remains consecrated ground, with plots still available there for people to purchase.

Lately, services have been held at St. Stephen’s two or three times a year. “We plan to increase that, opening the church for morning prayer at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays during July and August,” said Rev. Helen Chandler, rector of the Parish of Yarmouth and Tusket.

“Our plan is for more social and faith activities to take place at St. Stephen’s in the coming season.”

There seems to be a good deal of interest in the revitalization of St. Stephen’s, she said, “both as an historic landmark and as a place for worship. It is our hope that it will a place that people who don’t ordinarily come to Joan Fields was among those dressed for the occasion when St. Stephen’s church in Tusket hosted a recent tea. church will be able to find spiritual connection in a less formal way.” On Mother’s Day weekend, the church was the setting for a tea, where people were served by Holy Trinity parishioners dressed in period costumes. There was a variety of tasty treats and Mother’s Day gifts were for sale. A couple of years ago, Grace Marginson, food ministry organizer, had thought about having a tea at St. Stephen’s. During work on the grant application this past winter, her idea came back and the event was organized. Kellianne Land, artist in residence at Holy Trinity Church, is among those enthusiastic about what the future could hold for St. Stephen’s. “Holy Trinity is very excited about the potential of St. Stephen’s as a place where community can connect,” Land said. “The location is lovely. Its situation near the Tusket River and its proximity to other historic buildings in Tusket make it an interesting place for day trips for tourists and local people.” Those on hand for a recent tea at St. Stephen’s church in Tusket included (from left) Ann Day, Ron Day, Joanne Derevjanik and Joanne Shepard. Grace Marginson in St. Stephen’s church in Tusket. St. Stephen’s church in Tusket. The Anglican parish in Tusket was established in 1845. It was amalgamated with the Holy Trinity parish in Yarmouth in 2010.