Saint Philip's African Orthodox Church

St. Philip's African Orthodox Church is valued for its role in preserving Nova Scotia's West Indian heritage and for its association with the industrialization of Nova Scotia.

Over the years, St. Philip's has become one of the most important institutions in the Black community of Sydney; a community which originated mainly in the West Indies (Barbados) and whose members emigrated to Sydney during Cape Breton's industrial boom of the early 20th century.

The African Orthodox Church was officially constituted on September 2, 1921. Shortly thereafter, George McGuire was consecrated first Bishop of the African Orthodox Church. Also in 1921, Rev. McGuire sent Jamaican-born William Ernest Robertson to Sydney to start the work of the African Orthodox Church in Canada. Sometime after, Rev. Robertson succeeded in starting St. Philip's Parish in Whitney Pier.

The building which presently houses St. Philip's was built between 1900 and 1915. It was originally owned by the Dominion Iron and Steel Company in Sydney. In 1925 or 1926, a Dr. A. Calder negotiated with the Steel Company on behalf of the trustees of St. Philip's to obtain the building and the continued connection to the Steel Company in reflected in the use of steel for some interior elements. It was moved by flatcar and rollers to its present location on Hankard Street. The parish then took over the preparation of the building, using the volunteer services of local carpenters and any other labour that was available. The pastor of St. Philip's at that time, Rev. Dixon Philips, also worked on the construction of the church. The building was formally opened on July 15, 1928.

St. Philips African Orthodox Church represents the only African Orthodox Parish in Canada.