Lunenburg Places of Worship & Religious Sites

The history of the St. John's Anglican Church can be traced back to early settlement in 1753, when services were held in open air. Construction of the church began in 1754 when the oak frame of the church was shipped from Boston. The frame is believed to have come from the Old King's Chapel, which was being dismantled at the time. The church took serveral years to build and was finally finished in 1763. It remained in its original form for over 80 years, but since then has undergone several changes. These architectural changes include a redesign of the tower (twice), a 25 ft. move to the west, additions to the ceiling and more. The church is known as a significant local landmark and has been designated as a Provincial Heritage Property and National Historic Site. Sadly, the church suffered substantial damage as result of an early morning fire in November 2001 (which destroyed nearly 50 per cent of the structure). Restorations were completed in June of 2005 and the church has been restored to its prior glory. Regular Sunday services are also offered.

This Church in Townsend Street has the longest history of any other Presbyterian congregation in Canada. The earliest services were conducted in open air or private until 1759, when the congregation worshiped in St. John's Anglican Church. In 1770 the first church was built on this site and Reverand Bruin Romkes Comingo began to lead the congregation. The reverand served the church for 50 years until his death. The church was replaced by his successor, Reverand Adam Moschell and over the years, with several additions and changes, has grown into the church seen standing today.

The Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church is the oldest worshipping Lutheran congregation in Canada, whose history can be traced back to the earliest days of settlement, when the services were held in open air. With the arrival of Reverand Frederick Schultz, so was the erection of the first church. Nothing remains of this original building except the key and the bell, also of historical significance. The bell originally hung in the fortress of Louisburg and is known as the Antoine-Marie bell. A second building was built in 1841 and removed in 1888, replaced by the current structure. The church is a Gothic structure and has amazing architectual elements that have to be seen to be appreciated.