CHURCHILL MANOR

CIRCA 1885

The following information is correct to the best of our knowledge; the journey we have undertaken in accumulating research has made us many friends. We are still continuing our research, but through it all we have not only learned the history but have been taught the great pride this house holds.  We will continue to support our home in her proud heritage.

On the 22nd day of May in the year of our Lord 1884, Mr. Robert Thomas Dickson purchased this parcel of land from the Methodist Church, Springhill, Nova Scotia.  It is believed that Mr. Dickson, a builder of note, constructed this house and had the residence ready for occupancy by the year 1885.  It is also believed he held residence here for 10 years.

Mr. Dickson then sold the residence to Mr. John Murray Junior on May 25th 1895.  Mr. Murray Jr., or members of his family lived here until approximately 1922.

Mr. Murray Jr. sold the residence to the Parish of the All Saints Anglican Church, (Church of England) in the same year.  The property remained as the Rectory for some 65 years until it's sale to private individuals in 1987.  Until now the residence has been know as the "Rectory".

On Feb. 11, 1994, Michael and Edythe Ripley purchased this residence for their family home.  On the 28th day of May 1995, the residence was renamed CHRUCHILL MANOR, in honor and memory of David L. and the late D. Alma Churchill.

Upon arriving at the residence, you will immediately notice the uniqueness of the architecture.  The home was constructed in a Victorian style with high gables and a fairly flat roof.  All of the curved woodwork would have been steamed and shaped in a boat shop or mill.  Great care in the measuring and transporting of these pieces would have had to be insured so the fit would be correct when placed on the house.

You will first enter the home through the front vestibule.  You will immediately be captivated by the grandeur of the main entrance with most of the wall consisting of hand cut leaded glass.  At this time, you will enter through the double doors into the foyer.

The foyer was the waiting place for many an anxious bride and groom to be.  It was also the common area for people who were waiting to seek consultation with the minister.  This room is accented by the curved oak staircase and the abundance of natural light.

To the right was the office of the minister.  This was the room in which preparations were carried out for all types of church matters.  Prior to the church ownership, the room could have been used for social gatherings or ladies teas.

Passing through the double french doors, you enter into the parlor.  This room would be used for the socializing of invited guests, courting and informal discussions of the events of the day.  This room is offset by a large oak mantle, which would have surrounded a glowing marble fireplace.

Moving through the left-hand door, you will then enter the dining room.  It is in this room that many fine meals and conversations were had and friendships rekindled.  This room is accented by a 10 foot high, built in china cupboard which of course, would have been used to display those beautiful by rarely used treasures of the household.

Passing the dining room you enter the kitchen, you will immediately notice on the right hand wall the cupboards, and possibly inquire as to how one used the top ones at approx. a height of 8 feet (Frankly so do we).  This area was and still remains the hub of activity throughout the entire life of the dwelling.  Although cupboard space is limited, off the kitchen was a large pantry and possibly the back stairwell.

In leaving the kitchen you exit into the back vestibule, which was originally the continuation of the verandah.  The final door takes you onto the existing verandah and affords you a view of the side garden.

We ask you to take a moment sit on our swing and visualize the ladies and gentleman in all their finery as they sip their summer tea.

This concludes the tour of CHRUCHILL MANOR we hope you have enjoyed it.  If you find us come visit, have some summer tea and we will chat about the house and what it means to us.