Built in 1828

The Oldest Standing Catholic Church on Cape Breton island

St. Patrick’s Church Museum began as an Irish Catholic church built in 1828 on the site of an earlier wooden chapel constructed in 1805. The original chapel was built by Captain John Butler Wilson, an Anglican, for his Irish Catholic wife, Margaret Coverly. After Wilson’s death, Coverly transferred the property to Father Henry McKeagney, who expanded the church into the building seen today. As the congregation grew, a larger church (Sacred Heart) was later built on George Street.

The church continued to serve the community for many years, including Sydney’s Maronite congregation until 1950. After a period under the care of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, it was restored by the Old Sydney Society beginning in 1966. Today, St. Patrick’s Church Museum celebrates the history and heritage of Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Cape Breton Island. The building is also available to rent for weddings, performances, and special events; see our Rentals page for details.