Église Sainte-Marie, located in Church Point, Nova Scotia, has been awarded $50,000 in the National Trust for Canada’s Next Great Save competition, aimed at preserving national heritage sites. Recognized as the tallest wooden church in North America, it symbolizes Acadian heritage and community identity. The church faced potential demolition last year, but the Association Sainte-Marie Héritage et Développement successfully advocated for its preservation. Co-founder Stéphanie St-Pierre stated that the funds will be allocated to urgent repairs, including fixing a large front window currently covered with plywood, addressing a leaning spire, and reattaching ornamental woodwork. The community hopes to restore the bell system and hear the bells ring again on August 15, coinciding with the Acadian national holiday. While the funding is a significant step, St-Pierre noted that the complete restoration will likely cost several million dollars and take years to achieve, emphasizing a phased approach to halt further deterioration.