Saint Elia Ukrainian Orthodox Church is near Goodeve, Saskatchewan. The congregation was formed in 1903 by settlers from the county of Halichina, Ukraine. The church building was completed in 1908.
Farm land surrounds the old church which is just barely standing.
For over half a century the church was the centre of the community. A final service was held in August of 1960 after which the church was officially closed. Saint Elia's parishioners were then left with the decision of joining another church in the area.
One lone spruce tree stands on the outer edge of the well kept cemetery.
A memorial cairn has been built on the base of the bell tower.
In the area the church is simply known as The Pilipow Church. The name Nykola Pilipow features prominently on the golden-coloured cast metal bell.
Information courtesy of the Saint Elia Congregation. (Elia, Elias and Elijah are simply different spellings for the same prophet.)
Photographed on October 9, 2020.
Church is in sad shape. Unfortunately time claims us all.
ReplyDeleteI like that the church has simply been left for nature to take its course (as opposed to knocking it down).
DeletePoor thing looks as though it's staggering home after a rough night.
ReplyDeleteThe old church has seen better days.
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