8/11/10 - Tignish PEI

St. Simon and St. Jude RC Church, built in 1859, was the largest brick structure of its time: It still is the predominate feature of Tignish. Measuring 185' with the steeple, it's used today as a beacon by fishermen. 

 

 

First painted in 1885, the ceiling had gold stars painted on a blue background. It's been repainted and is breathtaking. 

 

For us, the best part was the organ - a beautiful tracker-action pipe organ, built in 1882 by Louis Mitchell of Montreal and one of only four remaining in the world. It contains 1118 pipes ranging in height from three inches to 16' ... and a lady named Diane was there to give us a sample of how it works and sounds! She played several selections, including a Bach fugue and Beethoven's Ode to Joy. Made my day!  Wowzers!

 

We gobbled our PB & J sandwiches in the lovely garden next to the church. As we got in Smartie to leave, we spotted the sign on the pole. PS: The parking lot was zig-zagged with black tire marks! People ... sigh.