Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day marks the end of World War One on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.

The War Memorial Cenotaph shown here in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan was built during 1925-26 and memorializes all those who gave their lives in the Great War.  At that time a scroll listing the six hundred names of those who enlisted from the town and area was placed inside an empty cavity within the monument.  The cenotaph now also acknowledges those who served in World War II and the Korean War.

Photographed on September 30, 2017.

Long Shot (Saint Margaret's near Eagle Butte)

Was out at Saint Margaret's to plant some fall bulbs in Heather's Garden about three weeks ago.  When finished I decided to head over to Elkwater for a late lunch and captured this shot of the tiny cathedral in the beautiful Cypress Hills of Alberta along the way.

Have a nice weekend!

Photographed on October 16, 2025.

The Biggest of Them All

I believe this is the largest bowstring bridge ever constructed in all of Saskatchewan...and what a treat to see it still standing proud out in the prairie landscape.

Photographed near Scotsguard, Saskatchewan on Hallowe'en Day, 2025.

The Alberta Pacific Grain Co Ltd

It's been more than a few years since I've been through Dorothy, Alberta.  At the time, the grain elevator was in pretty sad condition... 

...but now it has a fresh coat of paint and a new roof.  "Thank you" to all those who gave this prairie sentinel a new lease on life.  In other words, thanks to those who give a damn!

Photographed today at Dorothy, Alberta on October 23, 2025.

Miss Jessie Rowe

"Remember me as you pass by,

As you are now, so once was I,

As I am now, so you must be,

Prepare for death and follow me."

A lone grave on the northern slope of Gold Butte Hill in northwestern Montana.  

She succumbed to tuberculosis when just a teenager.

Photographed near Gold Butte, Montana on October 17, 2025.

Boots

The Great Sandhills is a natural area in southwest Saskatchewan and is the largest set of active sand dunes in all of Canada. The landscape is ever changing.

The Hanging Cowboy Boots Arch is located above the parking area. It was built by local rancher John Both as a display of his appreciation and love of life. He understood this fragile landscape and believed in its preservation. Some of his ashes are spread beneath the arch.

Yes, there are sand dunes in Saskatchewan.

Photographed south of Sceptre, Saskatchewan on October 26, 2024.

Tamarisk United Church

Just down the road from Tamarisk School is Tamarisk United Church.

I love the simple exterior design employed so often in prairie country churches.

The interior is a little unusual when compared to the dozens of country churches I've seen on my travels.  Simple wooden chairs for seating, two raised areas including a stage with two pump organs and a piano (which was more-or-less in tune) and one of the most beautiful stoves I've ever seen.

An etched plaque outside the church states:

"The United Church of Canada was formed in 1925 from the union of most Congregationalist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.  Of the hundreds of churches inherited by the new Church, most were modest structures.  Pointed windows and occasionally a small bell tower identified their spiritual purpose.  Originally a Methodist church when it was built in 1907, Tamarisk United is one of the best examples in Manitoba of those many humble buildings.  Tamarisk's straightforward external character expresses the unpretentious theological nature of Methodism.  Unpainted woodwork in the interior creates a warm, welcoming glow."

Stop by for a visit.

Photographed near Grandview, Manitoba on July 22, 2022.

Saint Anthony's near Haight

An attractive country church and cemetery near Haight, Alberta.

I couldn't find any history of Saint Anthony's but birth dates on the headstones date back as far as 1831...almost two centuries.  I'm no spring chicken but that seems like a wonderfully long time ago on the prairies.   

Photographed on June 23, 2025.

Saint Asaph's near Bangor

A look inside Saint Asaph's Anglican Church...

The church was established in 1905 by Welsh settlers.

To quote a plaque in the nearby Llewelyn Cemetery:

"To be born Welsh is to be born privileged, not with a silver spoon in your mouth, but with poetry in your blood and music in your soul."

Love and appreciation with heart and soul.

The church hasn't been used in years but is still in reasonably good condition.  That new metal roof should keep it safe for many years to come.

A shot of the church from the Llewelyn Cemetery.

This is the trail that leads from the cemetery to the church.

And this is the sign just off the main road. 

Photographed near Bangor, Saskatchewan on July 22, 2022.

This Morning at Saint Margaret's

Tiny cathedral out in the hills.

Everything is lush and green this spring...

...and the lilacs are coming into full bloom.

The columbarium tucked away in the southwest corner of the grounds.

Peaked roof in front of a peaked hill.

Heather's Garden...new plants and field stone border.

Sage keeps his vigil under the limbs of a spruce tree.

More lilacs blooming.

The view across the coulee.

If and when you're in the area, stop in for a visit.

Photographed at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery near Eagle Butte, Alberta on June 3, 2023.

Castleton United Church

Welcome neighbors and passers-by...

...to Castleton United Church.

The stone cairn and plaque were dedicated in 1968.  The plaque reads:

"Castleton United Church

This cairn is erected in memory of the pioneers of the Rothbury, Castleton, Pennock and Chatsworth Districts.

During the 1890's and early 1900's, these early pioneers felt the need for spiritual guidance and fellowship.  They were also concerned with the religious education of the young people and did their best to provide it.

The first church was built in 1913 and a new one was built in 1928.

This cairn is also dedicated to those who built on this well-laid foundation of our pioneers."

A few shots inside the church...frugal yet charming.

For King and Country...a framed document listing those members of Castleton United Church who volunteered for active service with Canada's Fighting Forces.

This little country church is well worth a visit when you're in the area.

 

Photographed near Saltcoats, Saskatchewan on October 10, 2020.