Elevator at Runnymede

Spotted along Railway Avenue in Runnymede, Saskatchewan.

It's unusually low and squat-shaped for a grain elevator.

Photographed on July 28, 2021.

Silvery Lupines and Sweet Clover

Silvery lupines blooming near Eagle Butte, Alberta in the Cypress Hills.

The lavender blooms are surrounded by an abundance of yellow-flowered sweet clover.

A close-up showing the palmate leaves.

Photographed at the intersection of Eagle Butte Road and Thelma Road on July 9, 2021.

Kenlis Church

Originally constructed as Kenlis Methodist Church in 1896 at Kenlis, Assiniboia (in what was then known as the Northwest Territories).

The foundation and basement were built of locally gathered fieldstone with the bricks being supplied by a farmer (with the help of a few friends) who had a kiln. 

  

The church opened on December 4, 1896 and was followed by a supper and concert on the next day.

Kenlis High School was opened in the church basement in 1935 and operated through the depression.

Views from the front doors...

...from the altar...

...and back of the nave.

The windows are colourful...

...this one comes with a view.

Inside above the altar...

...and from outside.

August 20, 1972 was the date of the last regular service.

The hand-carved wooden decorations in the gables add a touch of elegance.

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Information courtesy of Kenlis United Church.

Photographed on May 18, 2021.

Little Gem

This is Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church and Cemetery near Fosston, Saskatchewan.

The cemetery is just north of the church...

...and was surrounded by a backdrop of ripening wheat.  

A grouping of wooden, marble and granite headstones...

...that memorialize church founders as well as many children.

A look inside reveals an inviting and comfortable country church. 

The balcony above the front doors...

...and tiny white-painted pews.

Traditionally, music in Ukrainian churches was provided only by the sound of voices without the accompaniment of any musical instruments.  This would have been their view while singing their praises.

In my book, Saint Michael's is a little gem on the prairie.

One hundred and ten years and counting.

More photos from a bitterly cold and windy winter day (now doesn't that sound inviting!): "M"

Photographed on July 29, 2021.

Nicholas

Nicholas' photograph reminds me of those stylish and debonair actors one sees in old black and white films.

Photographed at Tombovka Cemetery near Côté, Saskatchewan on July 28, 2021.

Thingvalla Church

Thingvalla Icelandic Lutheran Church was built in 1910.

The simple swing gates along the north side on the grounds...

...and the gate sign at the entrance.

The cemetery was established in 1887...

...predating the church by twenty-seven years.

An infant's grave marker.

The reddish-coloured pews look solid and heavy against the baby blue wainscoting and creamy yellow walls.

The hand-carved chancel rail, altar, lectern and pulpit are painted pure white with gold-coloured accents.

Shadows at play.

The cemetery sign at the turnoff from the main road.

Thingvalla Church and Cemetery are near Churchbridge, Saskatchewan.

Information courtesy of Canada's Historic Places.

Photographed on October 10, 2020.

Thingvalla S.D. No. 108

The sign at the original site of the first (and second) Thingvalla School.

A huge stone monument at the site of the third Thingvalla School.

I had spent the better part of the day visiting the sites around Churchbridge, Saskatchewan...and lucky for me I met a couple of local fellows who gave me directions to a few spots that I would have otherwise missed.  They were humble and unassuming (to say the least) but as we talked I soon realized they were responsible for not only the acknowledgement but the upkeep of the historical sites in the area.  My heart goes out to those who keep our history alive.  Good on 'em!

Photographed on October 10, 2020.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker

Black and white all around.

A monument marking the site of the first church.  The congregation was organized in 1900 and officially established 1909.

Several headstones had recently received a fresh coat of paint.

Many of the children's graves are situated by the aspen trees along the outer edge of the cemetery. 

The white headstones are brilliant against the autumn leaves.

A long shot of the grounds.

The addition to the back of the bell tower is a community hall (where I'll bet the highlight of most get-togethers was a meal of perogies and sausages).  

 

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is near MacNutt, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on October 10, 2020.