A legacy of faith in Digby County since 1852.
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The Southville Church of Christ holds a special place in the history of Digby County, Nova Scotia. Our story begins in the mid-19th century when the principles of the Restoration Movement—a return to simple, New Testament Christianity—first reached this area.
In 1852, Reverend Donald Crawford began preaching in Southville, laying the spiritual foundation for what would become the first organized Church of Christ congregation in Digby County. For decades, the early believers met in homes and community spaces, bound by their commitment to studying the Scriptures and worshipping according to the apostolic pattern.
It was not until 1889 that the congregation constructed its own dedicated building on Langford Road. This beautiful structure stands today not only as a place of continuing worship but as a testament to the enduring faith and dedication of those early pioneers. Through periods of growth and change, our congregation has remained steadfast in its mission to share the Gospel and serve the community.
Key milestones in the life of our congregation and our historic building.
The Seeds of Faith
Reverend Donald Crawford begins preaching the principles of the Restoration Movement in the Southville area, gathering the first believers into a nascent congregation.
Building a Home
The congregation constructs the present church building at 807 Langford Road, officially establishing the first dedicated Church of Christ in Digby County.
Heritage Recognition
In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the church building is officially designated as a municipally registered heritage property.
A Living Legacy
The Southville Church of Christ continues its spiritual mission while also functioning as a community museum, preserving local history alongside its active worship and outreach programs.
Preserving the beauty of 19th-century Greek Revival design.
Our one-and-one-half-storey wooden church is a striking example of rural religious architecture from the late Victorian era. The building features distinctive Greek Revival elements that were popular during that period. Notable exterior features include elegant corner trim finished with a prominent entablature, and heavy cornice returns that give the structure a sense of enduring dignity.
Inside, the sanctuary is distinguished by its original tin ceilings—a beautiful and increasingly rare architectural detail that enhances the acoustics for our a cappella singing. We consider the careful preservation of this building to be both a civic duty and a spiritual stewardship, honoring those who built it while ensuring it remains a welcoming space for future generations.
