St. George’s Church in Brigus is an impressive example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture in Newfoundland and Labrador. Built in 1876 under the supervision of George C. Jerrett, presumably by men of the congregation and other town residents, St. George’s is an imposing landmark, visible from both the land and the sea.
Always a centrepiece of the Brigus community, St. George’s served the area’s Anglican congregation until 2004, when it was sold to the St. George’s Heritage Committee Inc. as a registered heritage structure. Now, the elaborate interior of St. George’s serves the community as a museum and a concert hall.
Visitors to this Community Memories exhibit will be impressed with the church’s open gable beam and timber ceilings and plastered walls, all in nearly original condition. The beautifully carved pine alter, pulpit, choir pews and frontals, communion rail, pews and christening font are all original to the building as well. The church’s older vessels and artifacts are displayed in covered glass cases. St. George’s windows are all original leaded glass with a magnificent stained glass window above the alter depicting the Cruxifiction, a window that was installed in 1880 as a memorial to Rebecca Bartlett. Above the family pews, plaques honouring men who made the supreme sacrifice in war can be seen.
This splendid church, standing tall on the shore of Brigus, will remain a testament to the past for many, many years to come, thanks to the purchase of St. George’s by the Heritage Committee.