Kirk of St. James - Phantom Bell Ringer

The Kirk of St. James in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is one of the most historic churches on the island. Built in 1878, this Presbyterian church has long been a landmark of faith and tradition, but for over a century, it has also been home to one of PEI’s most enduring ghost stories—the tale of The Phantom Bell Ringer.

The Legend

The story begins in the late 1800s, when a devoted church caretaker, known as Thomas MacDonald, took great pride in his duties, particularly in ringing the church bell. Rain or shine, Thomas would ascend the narrow staircase to the bell tower each Sunday morning, pulling the thick rope to signal the call to worship.

One winter morning, a severe storm hit Charlottetown. The streets were covered in ice, and the wind howled through the town, causing many residents to stay home. However, as churchgoers arrived at St. James, they were surprised to hear the church bell ringing, as always, despite the treacherous conditions.

When the minister and elders entered the church, they found it empty—there was no sign of Thomas. Concerned, they checked the bell tower, only to find that the bell rope was still swinging slightly, as though it had just been used.

Later that day, Thomas's frozen body was discovered just outside the church doors. It is said he had slipped on the ice and hit his head, dying instantly. The eerie part? The bell had continued to ring after his death.

Strange Occurrences

After Thomas’s passing, church members and caretakers began reporting strange happenings:

• The bell would ring on its own, especially during stormy nights.

• Some claimed to hear footsteps ascending the bell tower, only to find no one there.

• A few witnesses even reported seeing a shadowy figure near the bell tower door before it vanished.

One notable account comes from a caretaker in the 1950s, who, while locking up late one night, heard the bell ringing faintly. Thinking a prankster had snuck into the tower, he climbed up to investigate. When he reached the top, the room was empty, but he felt an icy chill and the sensation of someone standing behind him. Frightened, he rushed down the stairs and never worked a late shift again.

Modern Sightings

Though modern renovations have altered the church, the legend persists. Some visitors claim to hear faint ringing even when the bell is not in use. Others say that on stormy winter nights, a ghostly figure can be seen near the bell tower window.

The Kirk of St. James remains a place of worship, but for those who believe in spirits, it is also home to the devoted phantom of Thomas MacDonald—the Eternal Bell Ringer of Charlottetown.