Historic Bishophurst Home Celebrates Legacy of Leadership

Bishophurst, a historic residence in Sault Ste. Marie, stands as a testament to over a century of Anglican leadership in the region. Built in 1875 at a cost of $6,500, the house has served as the official residence for the Archbishop of Algoma, helping to shape the spiritual landscape of the community. An anonymous donation from England funded its construction, later revealed to be from Baroness Burdett-Coutts, a close associate of Queen Victoria.

Originally encompassing 1.4 hectares (3.5 acres), Bishophurst’s grounds extended to Queen Street and the St. Marys River. Over the years, sections of the property were sold off, reducing its size while preserving its historical significance. Since 1876, eleven individuals have held the office of Archbishop of Algoma, with Anne Germond becoming the first female archbishop and the current resident of Bishophurst.

Reflecting on her role, Germond expressed her admiration for the house’s legacy. “To imagine that from 1876 until now bishops and their families have made their home in that house is truly remarkable,” she stated in an interview with SooToday. Elected bishop on October 14, 2016 and consecrated in February 2017, she and her husband, Colin, moved into the residence in January of the same year.

As she settled in, Germond felt the weight of history. “My first sense when I entered that house was of the history of the house, and how the house tells so much about the story of our diocese,” she noted. She quickly transformed the space into a comfortable home. “We absolutely love living there. It’s home to us now,” Germond added.

Even with her personal connection, Germond maintains a profound respect for Bishophurst’s history. “I still have a sense of awe every time I drive up the driveway,” she remarked. “This home is about you being the bishop. It’s about the diocese.” The surrounding natural beauty also captivates her, particularly a bur oak tree in the garden estimated to be over 300 years old. “It’s part of the story of Sault Ste. Marie and the people who came and wanted to make something of this city,” she said.

Germond, originally from South Africa, served with the Anglican Church of Canada in Sudbury before her appointment in Sault Ste. Marie. Over the years, Bishophurst has been meticulously maintained as a luxurious residence for bishops and a welcoming space for visitors. Recent renovations include a fresh coat of paint, refinished bedroom floors, and foundation work to prevent water damage.

In addition to conducting Sunday services at St. Luke’s Cathedral and other locations throughout the Algoma region, Germond opened a small chapel within Bishophurst in 2019 for intimate gatherings. A unique tradition at the residence includes firing an antique cannon, once mounted on a yacht owned by Bishop Edward Sullivan in the late 19th century, during annual New Year’s Day receptions. In a notable change, the cannon will be fired later in 2026 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Algoma.

This past October marked a special occasion for Germond as she held her first pet blessing at Bishophurst, welcoming local residents and their animals. “The home is such a storied home,” she described. “It has so many beautiful stories inside its walls and it’s an icon in the city.”

Germond emphasized that Bishophurst represents more than just its physical structure. It embodies the office of the bishop and the ongoing story of the Diocese of Algoma, which has faced and continues to navigate complex challenges, including the legacy of residential schools. “Just a few kilometers down the road from Bishophurst is what used to be the Shingwauk Residential School,” she noted, reflecting on this painful chapter of history.

Despite its challenges, Germond sees Bishophurst as a beacon of hope. “For me, the house points to Jesus because all the bishops who’ve lived there have been followers of Jesus, doing their best to tell the gospel story in a world that really needs a word of good news,” she concluded. As Bishophurst continues to serve as a residence and a symbol of faith, it remains an integral part of Sault Ste. Marie’s heritage.