“I am so pleased to make this announcement today which will ensure that the heritage character of the Princetown United Church will be preserved for the benefit of Islanders and visitors for generations to come,” said Minister MacFadyen. “This church has played a significant role in the province's religious history and continues to be a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture in Prince Edward Island.”

The Princetown United Church was built in 1869 replacing two earlier, smaller buildings — one in use since 1794. The community and the church have had a long association with the history of Presbyterianism in Prince Edward Island, with Rev. John Urquhart having established a permanent congregation in Princetown (Malpeque) in 1800. The exterior architectural elements including the lancet windows, sculpted bargeboards and corner finials all provide character to this historic place. In addition, the refurbished 111 foot high steeple with weathervane, which was replaced in 1984, after being removed in 1959, adds to the historical significance of the structure. The church first served the community as a Presbyterian church until 1925 when it became affiliated with the United Church of Canada.

Designation is the higher of two levels of recognition under the Heritage Places Protection Act's Register of Heritage Places. The goal of designation is to preserve and protect the places that stand as the most important symbols of the history of Prince Edward Island.

Places proposed for recognition are reviewed by the Heritage Places Advisory Board in light of criteria such as age, architectural style and historical associations. Upon recommendation by the board, places deemed to be of significance to the heritage of the province may be designated by the Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs. Designation provides ongoing legal protection to the heritage character of a property.

To date, 12 places have been designated under the provincial heritage legislation. These include Government House, The Customs House, J. Angus MacLean Building, Hon. George Coles Building, and Province House in Charlottetown, Green Park in Port Hill, the Atwell House in Clyde River, Kings County Court House, Alberton Courthouse Museum, D.E. Clarke’s General Store in Orwell, Summerside Law Courts, and the Doucet House in Rustico. For listings of recognized Prince Edward Island heritage places, as well as those listed from across the country, visit www.historicplaces.ca.