St. Theresa's Church
In June of 2024, the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth made the decision to close St. Theresa's Church permanently due to safety and health concerns about the building. In acknowledgement of the years of faithful service from the community, we honour the legacy of St. Theresa's as we continue to serve those looking for welcome, connection and faith.
Church History
The church's story began in 1917 when the Diocese of Halifax realized that consideration should be given to establishing a new parish to serve the rapidly growing northwestern section of Halifax, which at that time was served by St. Patrick's and St. Agnes' Parishes.
Archbishop E. J. McCarthy called a meeting of interested persons for December 6, 1917, the day of the Halifax Explosion; as a result of this disaster the meeting was never held. The only action taken between 1917 and 1930 was in 1919, when land was purchased for the new parish at the present site of North and Dublin Streets, for the price of $7,200.00.
On September 30, 1930, Archbishop Thomas O’Donnell turned the first sod with the newly appointed first Pastor, Msgr. Michael J. Cole with Curate, Father Leo Day also in attendance. The first Mass in the newly completed basement church was celebrated on Christmas Eve 1931 and the present rectory was built in 1937, at a total cost of $22,000.00.
Following his death in 1948, Msgr. Cole was succeeded by Most Rev. A.B. Leverman, Auxiliary Bishop who was later appointed Bishop of Saint John, N.B. In 1953, Msgr. James Granville was named to replace Bishop Leverman and held that post until 1955. Msgr. William J. Burns, was then appointed Pastor of St. Theresa’s and was followed in 1965 by Rev. John Heffler who was appointed the new Pastor. Under Father Heffler’s leadership, the basement church was converted to the stone structure.
Following his retirement in 1979, Father Heffler was replaced by Rev. John DeLouchry and under his leadership several structural changes took place including additions and renovations to the present rectory to include offices and additional meeting rooms.
A major part of the renovations included a ramp to the church entrance to accommodate the disabled and elderly. Most recent pastors include:
Rev. Lloyd O’Neill from 1991 - 1999
Rev. Paul Williams from 1999 until his death in 2001.
Rev. Joseph Hattie, OMI from 2001 until August 2002. A major highlight during Father Hattie’s time as Pastor was the visitation of the relics of St. Theresa in December 2001.
Rev. Thomas White from 2001 - 2007. During Fr. White’s time as Pastor he was responsible for uniting St. Theresa’s Parish and St. Catherine of Siena Parish under one administration.
Rev. Roberto Donato from 2007 - 2014. Father Donato introduced the two parish communities to the Franciscans of Halifax.
Rev. James Wegner from 2014 - 2018
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2020 saw St. Theresa's Church consolidation into the new North and West End parish of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi, with the churches of St. Catherine of Siena, St. Patrick and St. Stephen. June of 2024 marked the permanent closure of the church.
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Items from St. Theresa's Church have a new home in St. Stephen's church
Items from St. Theresa's Church have a new home in St. Stephen's church