St. James United Church

This church is valued for its Classical Revival architectural elements, for its association with the history of the Presbyterian and United churches in PEI, and for its contribution to the heritage character of Covehead.

The Presbyterian faith came to Covehead in 1791 when it was part of the preaching circuit of Rev. James MacGregor

, a pioneer clergyman from Pictou, Nova Scotia. This circuit was then very large and included St. Peters Bay and Fortune in eastern PEI.

By 1806, Covehead became part of the first organized Presbyterian congregation in PEI. The Rev. Peter Gordon was inducted as the first minister. He was also responsible for St. Peters and Fortune. By 1925, Covehead was one of the congregations which voted to join the United Church of Canada.

The early members of this church had come to PEI in June 1770 on the Falmouth. They were part of a settlement scheme arranged by the proprietor of the land in the area, James Montgomery, Lord Advocate for Scotland. The communities of Brackley Point, Covehead and Stanhope grew and thrived basing their economies on agriculture, fisheries, shipbuilding, and later tourism.

The current church was constructed in 1837 and replaced two previous buildings. The first was destroyed by fire and the second was later moved off the site to the corner of the MacLauchlan and MacCann Roads.

The current building is a fine example of a rectangular Meeting House with Classical Revival elements. These include the fine broken pediment above the double entrance door and the wide eaves with eave returns. The interior features an elaborate balcony supported by columns.

Notable figures associated with the history of the church include Rev. Edward Pidgeon who served from 1811 to 1820. His grandson, Rev. George C. Pidgeon, became the first Moderator of the United Church of Canada in 1925. Rev. James Allan, who served from 1846 to 1890 was the longest serving minister of the church and his descendants still reside in the community.

The church remains an important cultural landmark in the community of Covehead.

Source: Culture and Heritage Division, PEI Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

File #: 4310-20/S30