The Parish of Musquodoboit and Ship Harbour is situated along the Eastern Shore scenic route Highway #7. Our parishes are located only 45-50 minutes from the extreme end to the city and 25 minutes from the closest point. There are freshwater lakes to one side and the ocean on the other with many wild islands. Within our area we have two of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful sand beaches, Martinique Beach in East Petpeswick and Clam Harbour Beach in Clam Harbour. Each beach extends for at least 2 miles, so if you are an explorer or a walker, many hours of quiet and solitude can be had while discovering little oddities. If you are sitting in your front or backyard usually nature will visit you throughout the year. You will see many varieties of birds, and other creatures, squirrels, raccoons and deer etc.
Within our boundaries are the Musquodoboit Heritage Site (Railway Museum) in Musquodoboit Harbour, the Fisherman’s Museum in Oyster Pond Jeddore, and Memory Lane Heritage Village in Lake Charlotte. You can dig your own clams at Clam Harbour, catch or purchase fresh fish in the many harbours within our area direct from fishermen. Within our area we have a hospital, medical clinic, dentist office nursing home (The Birches), two pharmacies, and Royal Bank. There is a grocery store in Head Jeddore (Sobeys), a motel, cabins and many restaurants and take outs in the area. There is also a yacht club, walking trail, gym, library, bakery, two hardware and lumber yards, as well as two volunteer fire departments. There are two schools, Oyster Pond Academy in Oyster Pond, primary to grade 9 and Eastern Shore District High in Musquodoboit Harbour, grade 10 to 12.
In Musquodoboit Harbour there is a recreation center (arena) that is used during the year for many things including ice hockey, and community functions such as flea markets and bingo. There are two baseball fields of regulation size and are used regularly during the year for both junior and senior people. In Ship Harbour there is a very active community hall/center where exercise and yoga classes are held regularly, also card games, bingos and other fund raisers. This space is also available to be rented out for private functions. St. James Church Hall in Head Jeddore is also a place where you can enjoy many functions and is also available to be rented out.
We are two small rural parishes that work and worship together. Our shared parishes do not have a rectory. There are two churches in Musquodoboit Parish and four in Ship Harbour Parish. Our churches do not have washroom facilities. St. James Church, Head Jeddore has the opportunity to use the facilities of the church hall next door. St. Thomas, Musquodoboit Harbour has a composting toilet.
We have one Holy Communion service each Sunday, held in a different church each week. Our congregations enjoy gathering together for worship. Music is a big part of our services.
One of our favourite services is the barbecue at Webber’s Campground in June, where both parishes come together to worship and enjoy each other’s company.
In recognition of our graduates, each Parish presents them with a bursary to further their education.
We also worship and take part in the Blessing of the Fleet Service, which is held shortly before beginning of the lobster season.
We enjoy getting together from to time after service and for “Christian Cuppa”, sharing lunch and fellowship. We also enjoy weekly bible studies, daytime and evening set.
Our rector will be supported by an Associate Priest and several Lay Ministers.
Our parishes are proud to say we made it through the “covid period” when there were no in person worship services. Worship and music were held on-line and were well received. On-line service still happens each week.
We are very much an aging congregation and would love to see some younger parishioners join us.
We are proud to be affirming parishes in favour of equal marriage since 2019 and we advocate for the inclusion of ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation.
Pastoral Care is also very important to us, providing emotional, social and spiritual support to all, not just to the ones we see on Sunday morning.
When thinking of our next rector words like compassionate, joyous, energetic, encouraging, and supportive come to mind, and for sure, a sense of humour goes a long way!
We are a very friendly community and reach out to all in need or sadness. We are proud to say we live on the Eastern Shore because, to anyone who knows the shore, it means friendly (peace, harmony, love and caring by all).
Deadline for applications is Friday SEptember 6th, 2024.
To receive the profile and an application form please contact Jana Gauthier, Diocesan Executive Administrator at bishopsoffice@nspeidiocese.ca .