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St Matthew's United Church of Canada
Category: Religious Organizations Churches Churches [Edit]
1479 Barrington StHalifax, NS B3J 1Z2
(902) 423-9209
6 reviews for St Matthew's United Church of Canada
6 reviews in English
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Review from Lacey H.
4/10/2010
Like my predecessors (yelp reviewers), I have not visited this church on a Sunday morning in my nicest slacks - however, I have been in during evenings when the drums are thumping and toes are tapping.
This church is located on Barrington Street, facing the historic Old Burying Grounds. Upon entering the front door, the library smell mixed with the pie-in-the-sky ceilings will have you awe struck. Curved bench seating directed at the alter, or alternatively stage, enables tons of great places to cozy in with a great view.
You can choose to sit in the balcony area which may give you slight feelings of grandeur. Above the entrance is a great wooden balcony giving you a bird's eye view on the whole place. It's nice to pop up here during the show, just so that you can take and breath and take it all in.
There is no bar, so bring a mini-sip or a juice box if you tend to get thirsty. If you're feeling truly retro or maybe just pious, dress in your Sunday's best, complete with bonnet and shin length skirt.
St Matthew's Church is a fantastic venue for musicians and spectators alike. It's comfortable, relaxed and of course glorious in its beauty. -
Review from Leslie F.
10/20/2011
I feel weird about reviewing a church, but it needs to be done - not in terms of its rating as a place of worship, but as a rockin' concert venue. I've been here a few times for shows including Tegan & Sara, and most recently Rich Aucoin and it's always been great. Because of its relatively small size, the shows there are intimate and interactive. Even if you're in the side pews, you still have a great sight-line to the artist, and if you can snag a seat in the balcony then that's all-the-better. If you have an opportunity to check out a show here, definitely seize it. St Matthew's is a great venue for live acts!
Listed in: Yelptober
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Review from Laura P.
4/4/2010
What a gorgeous venue.
While I've never been to Sunday Service, I have been to a musical performance or two at St Matthew's. Epic to say the least. With its sky high, amazing wood paneled ceiling and stadium seating.. it all just makes for a very special concert space.
I went to go see Owen Palett & Basia Bulat play a few months back and the venue completely made the show. While they are both fantastic artists, to have such a backdrop really amps up the atmospheric effect. I left that show in awe.
The building has an old Victorian feel about it and pew-style seating along the bottom. However, there is also a huge balcony of seats that stretches all the way from one side of the room to the next (In the shape of a U) There are NO bad seats and only great views of the 'stage'.
If you have a chance to catch a show here, take advantage. Its a smaller, more intimate way to enjoy good music. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
11/2/2009
This can be a great venue for seeing a musical act that you really like - the acoustics are amazing, the atmosphere is intimate, but unfortunately, it can be a frustrating venue, too. Unless you get a seat on the floor in one of the front rows, or in the front row of the rear balcony, you're doomed to an evening a blocked views a wrenched neck.
I've been to several shows here where I ended up in the side balcony and been stuck with a terrible view of the stage - blocked by poles and the edge of the balcony itself. The benches are uncomfortable for a two-hour show (I'm not there to do penance for my sins, you know).
But if you can get a good seat, it's awesome. I've got tix for an upcoming Serena Ryder show there and I plan to go early enough to nab a spot on the floor. Should be a great show. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/4/2010
I'm not the church going type unless there is a great band leading the congregation, which is why I can speak very highly of St. Matthews. Speaking strictly as a musical venue, this is a great location and atmosphere for acoustic shows.
I've seen a variety of acts here from Steve Earle to Jose Gonzalez, all of whom have benefited from the incredible acoustics St. Matthew's has to offer.
The seats can be a little hard on the bum, so bring a cushion if you can. I'm sure you church goers are used to the pews, but sinners like me find them very uncomfortable. Also, some of the seats are blocked by pillars. This will probably put a damper on your show if you're unlucky enough to be seated behind one, so really scope out your seat ahead of time.
Also (shockingly) they don't serve alcohol! Not even red wine!
Despite the hard seats and dry bar, this is a beautiful venue for concerts and definitely worth seeing. -
Review from Cassandra M.
Moncton, NB
11/28/2010
Great venue for acoustic acts. Provides an intimate show with a great seating area. Smells a bit of piss but that just adds to it's charm.
