Road Trip Day Six - Transfiguration

An unfinished and abandoned church near Fosston, Saskatchewan.

This is Transfiguration of Jesus Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The dome and cupolas were obviously designed and built by someone who loved their work.  

The cemetery is small with only a few trees along the fence line.

An ornate Orthodox cross standing near the cemetery.

The view to the north...

...and the view from the balcony.

My first visit was this past winter.  Some photos from that trip here: Transfiguration

Photographed on July 29, 2021.

Road Trip Day Five - Kaplychka

A revisit to Kaplychka, the little chapel in the meadow near Rhein, Saskatchewan.  I first saw it in the winter of 2020 and deemed it well worth another visit...this time in summer.

It is completely hidden from view by tall trees and scrub brush.

The old bell tower is still hanging on.  A tree fell onto the roof some time ago but doesn't seem to have caused any major damage.

Part of the cemetery is behind the chapel...

...and part across the meadow.

It looks at though the grass hasn't been mown for a few years now.

I believe the little chapel in the meadow has been abandoned.

More information and photos here:  Kaplychka

Photographed on July 28, 2021.

Road Trip Day Four - Holy Trinity

Early evening light on Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Canora, Saskatchewan.

Churches of Byzantine design are rare in this part of the world.

Three of the trapezoidal-shaped windows on one side of the church.

Note the single scroll detail on the porch eaves.

The domes are almost a cross between a dome and a spire.  Each one is topped by a decorative wrought iron Orthodox cross.

The gold-colored bell sits at the north corner of the church.

The church was built in 1928 and still seems to be every bit as beautiful now as it was then. 

Photographed on July 27, 2021.

Road Trip Day Three - Wheatwyn

Wheatwyn Lutheran Church is located near Markinch, Saskatchewan and was built of local fieldstone over the years 1906-1907.

I tried to see it last winter but the trail leading to the church was buried in about a foot of snow.  

An unusual feature of the church is the balcony which runs along both the back wall and north side of the building.  The staircase is narrow and steep.

Up here the seating consists of very simple bench seats.

As seen in this photo, one side of the nave is wooden chairs while the other side offers pews.

A large black metal cross stands tall at the entrance to the cemetery. 

A view of the church through the cemetery gate.

Photographed on July 26, 2021.

Road Trip Day Two - Saint Matthew's

Saint Matthew's Anglican Church was built in 1906.

Unusual roof line on the porch, and above, the tall spire adds a little touch of grandeur.

This stained glass triptych is above the altar...

...the interior is otherwise spartan.

There are graves on both sides of the church with most of the taller headstones on the north side of the church.

Each vertical wire on the old-fashioned fence surrounding the grounds is topped by a small cast iron maple leaf...sometimes it's the little things.

Photographed near Foxleigh, Saskatchewan  on July 25, 2021.

Road Trip Day One - Pella

Day One of a week long road trip in Saskatchewan.  This is the long abandoned Pella Mennonite Church near Neville, Saskatchewan.

Lots of windows but why there are two windows above the porch is a mystery as there is no second story or balcony.

A look inside.

I stopped here a couple of years ago but didn't go inside.  This time I stepped in and saw the remains of what must have been quite a lovely stamped tin ceiling. 

There is a tiny cemetery a few hundred feet up the slope with only two headstones.

The church sits hidden from view in a small valley.  Nice location.  Nice view.

Photographed on July 24, 2021.

A Few Years Ago

A few years ago...a beautiful crop near Eastend, Saskatchewan.  I love the prairies.

Photographed on July 11, 2019.

Let's Get High

People enjoying a balloon ride over Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Photographed on July 12, 2021.

Українська греко-православна церква святої Марії

Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Mary.

Blues crosses in glass and a turquoise archway...the handmade wrought iron fence really "sets the scene."

Not sure if the church is still in regular use...

...but it's well maintained.  I'm sure there is an occasional wedding, funeral or baptism performed here.

This triptych of windows under the alcove would be just above the altar.  Imagine the morning light streaming through the blue coloured glass.    

Beside the church is a gray marble sign in both Ukrainian and English.  A relatively new building...1956 wasn't all that long ago.

Looking up at the beautifully designed dome and cupolas.  

Photographed in Nipawin, Saskatchewan on November 27, 2020.