Churches of Nova Scotia

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Robert Tuck’s understanding of and love for all things ecclesiastical
keeps the reader turning the pages as church after church is presented
with empathy and respect. Once again it is proven that history is
anything but dull when championed with passion.

As one of the first areas of Canada to be settled by Europeans, Nova
Scotia had churches as early as the 1700s. One, built in 1750 in
Halifax, is still standing. The book covers historic churches of all
denominations, from all parts of the province. Ever alert to a good
story, Tuck doesn’t limit his narrative to descriptions of the
physical buildings. Churches were built by and for communities, and the
joys and stresses of those communities are part of the work.

Photographs of the churches as they appear today illustrate the text.
There’s a good mix of interior and exterior views. Some outstanding
stained-glass windows receive extra coverage. While the photography is
competent and the photos abundant, the strength of the book is in the
text. Although Tuck is not a stylist, his writing is usually fairly
light and moves at a good pace without sacrificing detail. The quality
and extent of his research is apparent, and will please anyone
interested in the local history of the communities whose church is
featured.

An obvious omission is an index of the churches included in the work.
In other respects the book is quite professional, with careful text
editing, useful captions, a glossary, and a bibliography. An enjoyable
read for social-history hobbyists with an interest in the province.