Halifax in Halifax Region, Nova Scotia — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)

Glebe House Campus

Saint Mary’s University

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2014

1. Glebe House Campus Marker

Caption: (top) John Stevenet Clow, Saint Mary’s, Halifax, Nova Scotia, circa 1838

Inscription. On this site in 1802 was erected the school building which became the forerunner of Saint Mary’s University.

Edmund Burke, newly appointed as Roman Catholic Vicar General in Nova Scotia, had the two-storey structure built in the hope of extending educational opportunities for Catholic young people and training candidates for the clergy. Burke’s initiative encountered repeated delays caused by opposition from the political establishment of the day and by the scarcity of qualified teachers, but he ultimately prevailed.

Burke took up residence in the schoolhouse, also known as the Glebe House, and began to instruct young men for the priesthood. A school for boys was established in the same building and prospered. Appointed Vicar Apostolic in 1817 and consecrated Bishop in 1818, Burke was a strong and skillful advocate for Catholic education. Although Burke’s death in 1820 brought further interruptions to the educational work he has set in motion, degrees granting status was conferred upon Saint Mary’s in 1841.

Erected 2002 by Saint Mary's University.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1802.

Location. 44° 38.656′ N, 63° 34.361′ W. Marker is in Halifax, Nova

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Scotia, in Halifax Region. Marker is at the intersection of Barrington Street and Spring Garden Road, on the left when traveling north on Barrington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1505 Barrington Street, Halifax NS B3J, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Mary’s Basilica (within shouting distance of this marker); Pierre Maillard (within shouting distance of this marker); Edmund Burke (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Burying Ground (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Mr. John Samwell (about 90 meters away); The Welsford Parker Monument (about 90 meters away); a different marker also named Old Burying Ground (about 90 meters away); a different marker also named Old Burying Ground (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Halifax.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2014

2. Glebe House Campus Marker

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2014

3. Glebe House

The Glebe House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2014

4. The Glebe House

has been restored to its original splendor thanks to the efforts and resources of George Ramia, Joe Ramia, and Robert Salah.
Ron Cahoob of DORA Construction managed this historic restoration in 2011 in partnership with the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 510 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 5, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.