Lilac Time at Saint Elias

A little late in the season for lilacs but...

This is the beautiful Saint Elias Russo Greek Orthodox Church near Pakan, Alberta.

Click the following link to view a brief history of Saint Elias: "Щасливого Різдва!"

The photos seen here were taken the spring following the return of the historical bell house to the churchyard.  The old bell house had been tucked away in a museum near Shandro for some sixty years and it was time to bring it back home.

Over the years a Prayer Garden has been established in a grove of trees on the south side of the churchyard.  

A large memorial rock is surrounded by flowers and hand-decorated stones that have been contributed by parishioners.  Along a winding path through the trees are several sitting areas, each enhanced by the addition of flowering plants and shrubs together with an icon.

A view of the cemetery and church from the Prayer Garden.

And, of course, lilacs in full bloom.

Saint Elias is definitely "a beautiful place out in the country."

Photographed on June 27, 2022.

Long Shot - Holy Ascension at Maryville

A long shot of Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Maryville, Saskatchewan...one of my favourite places to visit and revisit.

The photo shows the approach from the east and reveals a distinct perspective...the creek bordered by shrubs in fall colour with the church rising above it all in the hazy distance.  Quite a beautiful sight in my eyes.

Photographed on September 24, 2023.

Saint Andrew's near Swan Plain

On my way north from Swan Plain I came across this weathered old church.

The pathway to the front doors is still mowed as are the grounds and cemetery.

One couldn't have asked for a better setting than this...green grass accompanied by fall colours.

An unusual feature of this United Church is the Orthodox cross that tops the steeple.   

The sign above the front doors is decorated with a crucifix along with two six-point stars.

The small cemetery beside the church has only two marked graves.  It is believed there are at least three other unmarked graves here. 

Photographed near Swan Plain, Saskatchewan on September 24, 2023.

Congregational Church and Cemetery

A favourite...

The Congregational Church and Cemetery at Gros Ventre-Tothill. 

And with that...it's time to take a break from blogging.  See you soon.

Photographed near Tothill, Alberta on May 30, 2023.

Saint Anthony's at Grosswerder

The kindness of strangers...

...I was taking some photos of Saint Anthony's Church when a couple in a pickup pulled over.  They were curious about who I was and what I was up to way out in the middle of nowhere (both of which are reasonable questions).  It didn't take long and we were chatting up a storm and having some laughs.  Deciding that I wasn't up to no good, they asked, "Would you like to see inside?"

Little seems to have changed inside the church in well over a century.  The addition of electricity is likely the most recent update.  The original altar, colour scheme, captivating set of Stations of the Cross and three bells in the bell tower all in tact.   

The sky was thick with smoke that day so the the outdoor photos aren't what I'd hoped for...my next visit will be on a "blue sky" day I'm sure.  There is a statue of Saint Anthony above the front door and a small outdoor altar in a protected corner of the churchyard.  The church is still in use.

The cemetery is on the opposite side of the road about a quarter of a mile west and is populated with many grave markers both old and new.  It's also still in use.

Thank you kind people for inviting me into your beautiful country church.  Making new friends is always a good thing...and thank you for brightening up a gloomy day.

Photographed near Grosswerder, Saskatchewan on July 15, 2023.

All New Again

Remember the little bell tower with the red bow?  If not, click the following link for a quick refresher:  "Щасливого Різдва!"

Today I stopped again at Saint Elias Orthodox Church for another look and found that the old bell house is all new again.

The old siding and roof have now been replaced with fresh cut lumber and cedar shakes.  Now it's good for another century.  Pretty nice!

Photographed near Pakan, Alberta on July 19, 2021. 

Bethesda Lutheran near Milestone

A guest book along with a cache of postcards that give a brief history of the church is housed in a weatherproof enclosure beside the church.

"Norwegian Lutheran services were held as early as 1904, and in 1910 the Bethesda Norwegian Lutheran congregation was organized.  In 1912, Martin Johnson, a carpenter from South Dakota, was retained to construct Bethesda Lutheran Church with the assistance of the congregation.  Situated on an open parcel, the graceful steeple of this church can be seen for miles across the flat prairie landscape.  Modernized in 1928 with a concrete basement and furnace, the church served the surrounding rural community for church services, weddings, funerals, meetings and bazaars.  Many of the area's first settlers rest in the cemetery, which is located at the rear of the church.  Because of a steadily diminishing congregation, Bethesda Lutheran Church closed in 1973."

Visitors are welcome to take a postcard as a souvenir.

The church was restored in 2020. 

Photographed near Milestone, Saskatchewan on June 23, 2023.

Saint Bernard in Fortuna

Last time I stopped here was late October 2017.  Now maybe a little worse for wear but Saint Bernard Catholic Church is still standing.  

Photographed in Fortuna, Montana on June 18, 2023. 

The Windows at Saint Margaret's

Meadowlark, Bluebird, Orchid and Prairie Daisy.

Photographed at Saint Margaret's Church near Eagle Butte, Alberta on August 21, 2017.

Long Shot (Saint Margaret's)

A tiny prairie cathedral in the majestic Cypress Hills of Alberta.

Saint Margaret's Church was photographed near Eagle Butte on August 28, 2017.

Heather's Garden (Update)

Some photos of Heather's Garden taken a couple of weeks ago.  Things are coming along nicely.

Photographed at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery in the beautiful Cypress Hills of Alberta on June 11, 2023.