When settlers from western Ukraine arrived in 1903 they soon formed the parish community of Shishkovchi, Alberta. Later that same year they secured forty acres of land from the government for the construction of a temple and establishing a cemetery, and over the next three years they worked hard to build their place of worship. In 1906 the temple was complete. Even though no official plans for the church building were ever drawn up they created a truly "Byzantine" temple in their new home in central Alberta.
Of interest, the shingles for the roof were paid for with eggs.
Years later...
When the new Shishkovchi church was completed in 1963 the old church building was donated to the Shandro Historical Museum, where it still stands. Above is the plaque identifying the handsome old building at the museum.
A look inside the old church. Still beautiful.
The new church...
Construction on the new Shishkovchi Church commenced in 1953 and was completed in 1963. A brief history and some photos on the new church can be seen here: Shishkovtzy
Shiskovchi has many different spellings including Shishkovtsi, Shishkovtzi, Shishkovtzy and most likely a few others.
Information courtesy of the Canadian Orthodox History Project.
Photographed near Shandro, Alberta on November 9, 2024.
I've never been to Shandro or its museum. I should go sometime. Maybe this summer, who knows?
ReplyDeleteOh, I see on the internet that the Shandro Historical Museum is no longer open to the public. Alas!
DeleteA grand old building that's just as beautiful now as it must have been then.
ReplyDelete