Situation:

Little Dutch Church National Historic Site is comprised of an intact c1750 wooden church and surrounding burial grounds located near the original naval dockyards in Halifax. The site was initially established for German-speaking immigrants, many of whom died before entering port. The property is bordered by an original dry stone wall on two sides, built of ironstone slate, likely mined during the levelling of the property. The wall had survived the Halifax explosion of 1917 and received a continuous formed concrete cap afterwards. The wall had been extended to surround an adjacent property, although mortar was used. By 2020 the wall was in very poor condition, collapsing in several locations as well as leaning dangerously towards the street, resulting in the closure of the sidewalk.

Call for Proposal: 

In 2021, Parks Canada approved specifications and scope of work proposed by J.Scott. The proposal separated the work into two phases to be done over two years. The first phase included the recording, disassembly and reconstruction of 120 feet of wall. The second phase completed the remaining wall and added a coverband course and vertical copings. This stone was sourced from a small slate quarry north of the city. The copings were mortared in place to deter vandalism.

Phase 1 (a): Winter 2022: Develop specifications and proposal

Phase 1 (b): Summer/Fall 2022: Record, dismantle and rebuild

Phase 2: Summer/Fall 2023: Record, dismantle and rebuild remaining

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Discussion:

The project was completed on time and on budget despite facing three hurricanes during reconstruction. All wallers were able to participate in the site set up, disassembly, construction, coping and site remediation. Co-op members gained insight in working with eastern Canadian ironstone and slate and learned critical Halifax history. Members worked closely with the conservator, architect and Parks Canada officials. Working with the archeologist, members learned about artifact collection and dating as well as site evolution. The stone team was also treated to lobster lunches and wonderful sailing outings along the beautiful coast of Chester and Oak Island, courtesy of architect, Sid Dumaresq.

Conclusion:

The restoration of the Little Dutch Church National Historic Site dry stone wall was a successful partnership of church, government, and conservation professionals, providing an excellent opportunity for Dry Stone Canada Co-operative to demonstrate our vast knowledge of Canadian historic stonework. Dry Stone Canada Co-operative is proud to have been part of the restoration of such a significant part of Canadian history.

Halifax Examiner, Suzanne Rent, Feb 09, 2023: 
Stone wall at historic Little Dutch Church restored; second part of project set for spring

Halifax Examiner, Suzanne Rent, Aug 24, 2023: 
Restoring the walls at Little Dutch Church and the importance of gathering places