On the Road Day Five - Shewchenko

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Saint Michael the Archangel dates back to the 1920's.  The first service was held on December 4, 1925. 

The simple and attractive wrought iron Orthodox cross adorning the cupola. 

The cemetery was established in 1916 and named Shevchenko Cemetery.  

Many of the early burials were children, victims of the flu epidemic of 1918.

The church was also known as North Kotzman Ukrainian Greek Church in the early days.

Shewchenko is also spelled Shevchenko.

Information courtesy of Find a Grave.  

Photographed near Smoky Lake, Alberta on September 20, 2021.

On the Road Day Four - Boian Marea

A large schoolhouse built in 1937 at Boian, Alberta.

In my opinion, the most impressive stone school in the central prairies.

I believe it's still used as a community hall on occasion.

This area was settled largely by Romanians in the early 1900's.

Photographed on September 19, 2021.

On the Road Day Three - Sacred Heart

A country church near Downing, Alberta.

This is Sacred Heart of Jesus Ukrainian Catholic Church.

The cupolas and dome are unmistakable features from Eastern Europe.

About midway between the church and cemetery.

More often than not I experience a state of well-being in a graveyard...a feeling that all is well with the world.

There are several hundred feet between the church and cemetery but this view brings them together.

A sense of mystery from the far edge of the cemetery.

Photographed on September 18, 2021.

On the Road Day Two - Notre Dame de Savoie

On my way to a planned destination I noticed a sign beside the road for Notre Dame de Savoi Cimetière.  Never one to pass up an opportunity to see a country cemetery I followed the directions.  Upon arrival I saw a well manicured cemetery on one corner of the intersection and just opposite was this old church...

...which hasn't hasn't seen any love in a long, long time.

Not a straight line anywhere to be seen.

The building is slowly being dismantled by nature.

On a happier note...the cemetery sees some love on a regular basis.

Notre Dame de Savoie is near Halkirk, Alberta.

In another time...this where the local people would congregate on Sundays and special occasions.

Photographed on September 17, 2021.

On the Road Day One - Saint George

First day of a week long road trip.

Above is early evening fall light at Saint George's Cemetary.

Red shale covers the paths.

The cemetary is about half a mile north of Hanna, Alberta.

Even though it was bright and sunny it was awfully windy and bone-chilling cold.

Photographed on September 16, 2021.

Eastern Light

Eastern light behind the marker at Saint Peter's Greek Catholic Cemetery.

Photographed near Innisfree, Alberta on September 23, 2021.

Warwick Elevator (in Fall)

The old grain elevator at Warwick, Alberta.

In winter it looks like this:

Warwick Grain Elevator

Photographed on September 21, 2021.

A Beautiful Place out in the Country

Saint Mary's Roumanian Orthodox Church and Cemetery at Hairy Hill, Alberta.

With the trees still fully leafed out it's hard to spot.  I drove past it twice before I saw an opening to the grounds...grounds that are kept at least as well as any park I've seen but with the enhancement of peace and solitude.  The title says it all.

Photographed on September 19, 2021.

Back of Saint Raphael's

In the pasture behind Saint Raphael's Church.

Photographed in Richard, Saskatchewan on October 23, 2019.

Saint Raphael's in Richard

Saint Raphael's Roman Catholic Church.

Though many people have graced these steps over the years, it now appears the church is permanently closed.  The new metal roof is a positive indication of renewal.

Unusual colour choice and I'm sure opinions will differ but...

...I like the baby blue roof.

Photographed in Richard, Saskatchewan on October 23, 2019.