Pokrov

Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church dates back to the mid-1920's.  The central onion dome is a real beauty.

The single bell purchased in 1926 was mounted on posts until 1943 when the bell tower was erected.  

The parish hall was constructed by church members in the early-1960's.  Imagine all the perogie suppers they enjoyed here over the years.  

A cemetery sits on a rise on the northwest corner of the grounds.

A metal cross dated "1925" stands on the eastern edge of the cemetery.  The date is old but the cross in fairly new.

The cemetery accommodates a vast array of headstones and grave covers both new and old.  Look closely...the canola in the background is just beginning to bloom.

The name "Pokrov" refers to a town in Ukraine...a fond memory and a dedication to the settler's homeland.

The church is officially closed but a dedicated group of people keep the buildings and grounds in top-notch condition and I thank them for their time and care.

Information courtesy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.

Photographed near Saint Julien, Saskatchewan on August 5, 2020.

Holy Trinity at Orolow

Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church at Orolow, Saskatchewan. 

Most of the immigrants to this small area of the province were of Polish descent. 

Inside is a white and gold altar. Still beautiful even though the three statues are now gone. The narrow wall at the back of the apse adds more drama to the altar setting. 

The back of the church is a traditional five-sided apse although the small six-sided cupola on the roof is a unique feature I haven't seen before. 

The cross on the steeple is simple, attractive and (dare I say it?) fun! The same ironmonger/blacksmith designed crosses for at least two other churches nearby but each one is just a little bit different than the others. 

Kitty-corner to the church is a small graveyard. The most recent burial I noticed was 2013...not so long ago. 

I love the old paige wire fence along the front of the cemetery. It doesn't interrupt the view. 

Photographed on November 24, 2020.

Claybank S.D. No. 3408

While out on a road trip I frequently come across signs marking the location of a pioneer school.  Unless I'm in a hurry (which isn't often) I like to stop for a few photos to mark the site and the occasion.  Many of these signs are quite plain in their execution but the important thing is that the historical location is marked for the near future for all to see.  Chances are this sign and many others like it will last for decades to come.

Also while in Claybank I stopped at Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church where I was lucky enough to gain access to their extensive archives.  The large collection of artifacts was somewhat overwhelming but what immediately caught my eye was this handmade banner for Claybank School...

...now that's pretty special.   

Photographed on November 4, 2020.

23 Жовтень 1949

I've seen this church a few times previously but never on a day so brilliantly blue as this.  

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church is in Wakaw, Saskatchewan.

The cornerstone for the church was laid on the 23rd of October in 1949...all these years later the church still looks good.

Photographed on August 5, 2020. 

Over the Hill

 

I was on my way home from a short road trip when I decided to take a detour off the Trans Canada Highway and head north of Chaplin, Saskatchewan.  Just over a hill I saw the upper half of an old grain elevator.  

Taking a side road gave me this view to the east...

...and another side road gave me this view to the west.

The name "Marzolf" is painted on this side of the elevator.  That's a name I've seen in a few country cemeteries in the surrounding area.

Photographed near Thunder Creek, Saskatchewan on November 5, 2020.

South of Moose Jaw

Heading south of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan I saw this historical bow string bridge.  I'm always pleased to run across one of these...big or small.

This one is still in use.

Photographed on November 4, 2020.

Newberry S.D. No. 410

 

Before this sighting, I don't think I'd ever found a sign marking a prairie school that dates this far back in time.

1895 somehow seems like such a long time ago.

Photographed near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on November 4, 2020. 

Little Feet

 

A very special headstone for a very special little girl.

Photographed at Saint John's Lutheran Cemetery near Edenwold, Saskatchewan.

The Bell Barn

 

The historic Bell Barn is just north of Indian Head, Saskatchewan.

Not exactly the original but...in 2008 it was decided that the barn, being in a state of disrepair, needed a new life.  The barn was dismantled stone by stone and then rebuilt, utilizing those same stones on a site just a little north of the original.   

I remember seeing the original Bell Barn in the late 1970's when it was still in reasonably good condition.  What you see in these recent photographs is remarkably exact except for the metal roof...the original barn had a cedar shake roof.  

Kudos to all those involved in bringing back a piece of the past!

Photographed on October 8, 2020.  

Coderre

 

The old Pool grain elevator in Coderre, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on November 3, 2020.