Churchwardens of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Halifax

The first two churchwardens of St. Paul’s Church, Halifax, were appointed in September, 1759. Since that time, two wardens (occasionally three until the mid-1980s, at which time the number was permanently set at three) have served as the principal lay officers of the church. Initially, their role was that of a figure of authority in both the church and community. Their responsibilities in the mid-18th century included patrolling the streets at the time of church services in order to apprehend truants. These duties were discontinued, but churchwardens retained responsibility for the financial state of the church as well as its properties. The main sources of income for St. Paul’s were historically the charging of annual pew rents from parishioners, and the leasing and rental of glebe lands. The responsibility for the lease and rental of glebe lands has alternated through the years between the Glebe Committee, the Rector, the shared responsibility of Rector, Churchwardens, and Vestry, and the Property Committee. Since the sale of most of the glebe lands in the mid-twentieth century, the Property Committee has dealt with current property ownership, primarily with regard to land ownership of the Parish House and the church building itself. The churchwardens of St. Paul’s are also responsible for the maintenance and alteration of the church and church hall. Construction of the church building began in 1750, with the first services held that year, and was completed by 1763. Sizable additions were added throughout the 19th century, with further renovations throughout the 20th century. The old St. Paul’s Hall, at 1718 Argyle St., was purchased in 1878 and, upon its demolition in 1976, the new Parish House (1760 Argyle St.) was acquired. Currently, St. Paul's elects three churchwardens at the annual meetings. Rather than having a rector’s and peoples’ warden, as is customary in most Anglican churches, the three wardens are all elected by the congregation, and each serves a three-year term. Many prominent Halifax residents have served as wardens of St. Paul’s Church. Notable names include those of Richard Bulkeley (1759, 1761), William Nesbitt (1759, 1761), Robie Uniacke (1880), Hon. Henry H. Cogswell (1842), and Charles C. Blackadar (1894-1895, 1920). Bibliography: Diocesan manual for parish & church officers. 1998: Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Harris, Reginald V. The church of Saint Paul in Halifax Nova Scotia: 1749-1949. Toronto: Ryerson, 1949.