Before 1800s Religion in Canada

le grand voyage du pays des hurons, gabriel sagard, 1632.

before arrival of europeans, first nations followed wide array of animistic religions , spirituality. first europeans settle in great numbers in canada french latin rite roman catholics, including large number of jesuits established several missions in north america. dedicated converting natives; effort proved successful.

the first large protestant communities formed in maritimes after conquered british. unable convince enough british immigrants go region, government decided import continental protestants germany , switzerland populate region , counterbalance roman catholic acadians. group known foreign protestants. effort proved successful , today south shore region of nova scotia still largely lutheran. after expulsion of acadians beginning in 1755 large number of new england planters settled on vacated lands bringing them congregationalist belief. during 1770s, guided henry alline, new light movement of great awakening swept through atlantic region converting many of congregationalists new theology. after alline s death many of these newlights became baptists, making maritime canada heartland of baptist movement in canada.

the quebec act of 1774 acknowledged rights of roman catholic church throughout lower canada in order keep french canadians loyal britannic crown. roman catholicism still main religion of french canadians today.

st. paul s church, halifax, nova scotia, oldest anglican church in canada still standing, built in 1750

the american revolution beginning in 1765 brought large influx of protestants canada when united empire loyalists, fleeing rebellious united states, moved in large numbers upper canada , maritimes. comprised mix of christian groups large number of anglicans, many presbyterians , methodists.