A small white frame church is easy to miss; easier still is dismissing the building as a new build designed to match an older structure. But the small white church sitting on the western side of Bronte Road is original and an active church.
When William Peacock first settled in the village of Palermo in 1832, at this point, a Methodist congregation was already well established. Peacock, an Anglican, would need to travel further afield to worship at a familiar church. But as the population grew, William convinced the rector at St. Luke’s in Wellington Centre to come to Palermo to celebrate mass, the first recorded service in 1842, and most likely at the home of William Peacock. Seeing that the service was well attended, William Peacock donated a section of his property for use as a church and cemetery. Peacock would also lead the construction of a carpenter gothic church for the congregation. Completed in 1845, the sanctuary was dedicated on 11 March 1846. Despite being simple on the outside, the interior was well decorated and ornate thanks to the efforts of Peacock, who did much of the interior carpentry. The minister led the congregation at St. Jude’s until 1874. As the village grew, the congregation and the diocese assigned Rev E.A. Taylor as a perminat rector for the parish. But as population fluctuated soon, St. Luke’s became a two-point charge with Omagh and then a three-point with St. John’s in Nelson. Despite its small size, the church was always community-minded and, in 2016, opened up its multi-use community centre. In addition to providing a space for community events, a small retirement community also maintains the original Peacock church. Today the church is well known in the area mainly thanks to the community centre and its involvement in the rapid growth in the region.
Despite its location, St. Luke’s was an accessible building to photograph. Despite being at a busy intersection, there is a broad boulevard between where the church is located and the roadway giving me enough space to use my 125mm lens and a bit of front rise. And having an all-white building in even light made it easy to meter.
If you wish to worship with this congregation, they will be happy to welcome you! Please check out the congregational website for details on attending services worship either in-person on online streaming!
Web: stlukepalermo.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/StLukePalermo
Twitter: twitter.com/St_Luke_Palermo
Instagram: instagram.com/stlukepalermo
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCGr_EcLRIKvRXL-PtK6C2Hg
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