Dobrowody S.D. No. 2637

A pioneer school near Rama, Saskatchewan.

The outline of the original school sign can be seen in the roof peak above the door.  A local farmer stopped to chat while I was taking photos and informed me that someone had recently stolen the sign...we both just shook our heads at that.

There are banks of windows on both the east and west sides.  There must have been lots of kids in the area to warrant a two-room school in 1910.  This is most likely where many of the students first learned English as a spoken and written language.

A cairn of stone...

...and granite was constructed in 1989.

In past days it must have looked quite smart in white with blue trim.

The only other L-shaped school I've seen in recent travels was in northeastern Montana: Wing School

Photographed on March 20, 2020.

Barn with Wildflowers

An abandoned barn with an abundance of wildflowers near Dollard, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on July 11, 2019.

Ascension of Our Lord - Below

North of the church is the path to the cemetery.

A handsome black wrought iron gate has been installed at the entrance to the cemetery.

A free standing cross just inside the front gate.

Beautiful old budded crosses mark the graves of many pioneers in the area.

The cemetery with the church in the background.

A second free standing cross on the east side of the graveyard.  This was both unusual and a delight to see in the cemetery.

There's a large open space in front of the cemetery with picnic tables and a bench.  It was pretty chilly the day of my visit but I think in summer it would be a nice spot for a sandwich and coffee.

The church and cemetery sit on a twelve and a half acre plot of land that was donated by a parishioner.

Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery is at Carpenter, Saskatchewan.

Information courtesy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.

Photographed on October 27, 2019.

Ascension of Our Lord - In

The interior of the church is finished in beadboard painted two shades of blue.

The small church is built in a cruciform design and this cast iron stove provides the heat.  Electricity was never installed in the church so any evening services would have been conducted in candlelight.

A "greeting" table where visitors can sign the guest book and leave a donation.  The raised altar can be seen in the background.

Looking south.

The lectern...

...and the choir loft.  Traditionally, Ukrainian churches don't have organs or pianos...just voices.

Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ukrainian Catholic Church is at Carpenter, Saskatchewan.

Information courtesy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.

Photographed on October 27, 2019.

Ascension of Our Lord - Out

A small church near Carpenter, Saskatchewan.

Settlers began arriving from western Ukraine in 1900.

Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ukrainian Catholic Church was built in 1904.

The building is constructed of planed logs.

The belfry was built between 1910 and 1915 and houses one large bell and two small bells.

The mission cross in the church yard commemorates the Holy Mission of June 15, 1912.  Before that date the existing hierarchy of Latin Canadian Catholics opposed a separate Ukrainian Catholic Church.  Official recognition in any matter is always a day for celebration.

Information courtesy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.

Photographed near on October 27, 2019.

John & Joyce

A young couple enjoying a nice summer day.

The ceramic photo above is on the reverse side of this headstone found at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery near Stornoway, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on January 5, 2020.

Six Arches

A six arch bowstring bridge near Scotsguard, Saskatchewan.  Enjoy!

The bridge is visible from the highway, the well known Red Coat Trail.

Photographed on September 30, 2017.