Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish Manse

The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish Manse is a 2-storey Queen Anne residential building with a corner tower built in 1905. It is located on Irving Boulevard in Bouctouche.

The heritage value of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Manse as a local historic place lies in the fact that it is the last remaining example of a bourgeois dwelling from the early 20th century in the village centre. This magnificent residence, complete with an octagonal tower, beautifully demonstrates the Queen Anne Revival style in a rural setting. Built in 1905 by lawyer Archibald Irving, it was purchased by the Saint-Jean-Baptiste parish in 1924 to become the parish priest’s residence, or manse.

This site has added heritage value as it highlights the presence of individuals associated with religious life in this region. Parish priests Philippe Hébert (1924-1940) and Désiré Allain (1940-1967) were very influential in the area. Philippe Hébert was responsible for choosing the location for the parish church where he had the basement built. Mgsr. Désiré Allain then saw to the construction of the church building from 1954 to 1955.

Source: Kent Museum, 150 Du Couvent Road Bouctouche, N.B.

The character-defining elements associated with the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish Manse include:

- irregular massing;

- hipped roof;

- octagonal corner tower with a "witch’s hat" roof;

- brick chimneys;

- irregular fenestration;

- main entrance door flanked by narrow windows;

- mantelpiece in the living room.