Could our future perhaps be in our past…

•  A few days ago, a bulletin was released by Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, with a headline, ‘Exploring our Past’.

•  To our delight, the third photo enclosed and the only photo of a heritage property in Nova Scotia was of the United Baptist Church steeple in Bear River, with its unique architecture and craftsmanship.

•  Another comment that needs to be added is the unique architectural design and great display of the work of our ship carpenters, who built the church, back in 1859.

•  This certainly is a true icon and has been so important in the lives of past generations in our community, as were the other churches of fellowship and worship.

•  There were a concentration of four churches near our hub-Bridgeport and Hillsborough. They were The Baptist Church, The Methodist Church which was to become the United Church of Canada, The Advent Christian Church and The Church of England.

•  The original Church of England building, unfortunately was destroyed by fire in 1934. The same night, The Academy burned. That night, the members of the Church of England sacrificed their church building to eliminate the spread of fire to downtown Bear River. The church is now located in the same location as the original.

•  There was and still is also the Roman Catholic Chapel at the adjoining community of Bear River First Nations that was erected in 1834. We understand that it is the oldest Catholic house of worship this side of Halifax.

•   Also, it should be mentioned that in regard to the Baptist Church and the Methodist Church, not only were they constructed with very impressive steeples, reaching into the heavens, but the foundations were all of cut granite, providing solid rock foundations. The granite works was an established business in Bear River.

•  Below are partial lists of Bear River residents from the 1871 census. It only includes those family names that, at the time were living in the two communities of Bridgeport and Hillsborough. Also, only the male population is recorded and all have a listed occupation.

•   It could be interesting for all to check the list to see if your family name is there.

•   Has the mooring line of your family been severed, or is it still holding?