Landmark Faith

by Angela Sanford

Photo Credit: Carla Barron

  We all know that East Hants is a special place. Those of us who grew up here—and those who chose to return to their family roots or to make this area home for the first time. We understand that once you’ve lived here, Hants County stays with you. Our history is vital, not only to our tourism industry, but because it tells the story of just how long this area has mattered.

   There is one community building that holds a dear place in many hearts. While its use may not be as regular as it once was, it remains a vital piece of our shared history. The former Kennetcook United Church, now known as the Kennetcook Community Chapel, stands overlooking the village of Kennetcook and the well known river of the same name and has been the subject of countless photographs. Its sturdy foundation serves as a quiet reminder of resilience, faith, and community—watching over us still.

   I first stepped through its doors in June of 1990, on a Sunday afternoon, alongside my graduating class from Hants North Rural High School. We gathered for a community church service to send us off into our adult lives, led by Reverend Bill Matthews—well known not only in the church, but in the halls of Hants North as the girls’ basketball coach.

That church welcomed another milestone in my life six years later: the baptism of our first son, Devin. That day was made even more special as his father, Dan, and his grandmother, Ike (Izetta), were also baptized during the same service. Later, Ryan and Wyatt would be baptized there, as well. The chapel has also been the setting for weddings of family and friends—joyful celebrations where love was proclaimed and promises were made.

   But like many historic places, it has also held space for grief. Within those walls, we have laid to rest family and friends, marking some of the darkest moments alongside the brightest. It is a building that has witnessed the full arc of life.

I briefly taught Sunday School there and fondly remember listening to Gladys Anthony play the organ during services. I even recall her once telling me I had a beautiful singing voice—an assessment that was, and remains, wildly inaccurate. Still, I appreciated her kindness and her ability to make everyone feel welcome.

   More recently, Craig Anthony convinced me to join the Cemetery Board, which looks after the chapel and the surrounding burial grounds. He also worked tirelessly to impress upon the municipality the importance of designating the chapel as a Municipal Heritage Property. Craig was rightly proud of this achievement. 

   While he will not be able to physically attend the designation ceremony on February 1st, his presence will be deeply felt. The countless hours he devoted to the church, the chapel, and the cemetery will never be forgotten.

Heritage sites matter because they anchor us to where we came from. They are tangible reminders of the people, stories, and moments that shaped our communities long before us. These places hold collective memory—celebrations, struggles, growth, and change—woven into their walls and landscapes. 

   Just as roots provide strength and stability, heritage sites ground us, giving each new generation a sense of belonging and continuity so I hope you will join us on February 1st, at 2 pm, as we honour and preserve this important landmark of our community.