One of the Most Beautiful Settings on Earth

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Heinsburg Heritage Park

A train-themed heritage park on the upper bank of the North Saskatchewan River in Heinsburg, Alberta...includes a water tower, train station caboose and speeder.  Looks like a nice place for a picnic in warmer weather.

Photographed on February 25, 2022.

The Old Stone House

A stone house near Amisk, Alberta.

Comes complete with horse and buckboard...

...and a nice view.

The property is well maintained by some folks in the community.

Photographed on February 24, 2022.

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Holy Trinity near Kayville.

The congregation was established in 1915 with the church being built in 1923.  From what little information I could find, a few services are still held at the church each year and the cemetery is still in use.  Even with snow cover it was easy to see the grounds are very well cared for as is the church. 

The dome and cupolas in combination with the cruciform shape and rounded apse define this country church as Eastern European through and through...and next year will be Holy Trinity's centennial.

Situated at the far end of the grounds is a community hall (visible here just on the left-hand side of the road) which I'm sure has been host to many gatherings both joyous and sorrowful over the decades.   

Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church and Cemetery was photographed near Kayville, Saskatchewan on January 26, 2022.

Truax Elevator

My first impression of the elevator in Truax was: "the incredible hulk!"  I've seen lots of elevators on the prairies but never one quite so singularly massive.

It was quickly built in late 1964 to replace the elevator that had recently burned down.  Grain farmers really were the backbone of the community at the time and it was essential that they have an outlet for their harvest, hence some urgency in its construction.  The "flat top" design isn't a common sight so it was a treat to see.  The building was recognized as a Municipal Heritage Property in 2003.

In passing...just east of town I crossed over the remains of the old rail line that runs past the elevator.  As you can see, the rails are gone but for some unknown reason the ties were never pulled up.  It is what it is and now it looks like a good place to take a dog for a walk.

Information courtesy of Canada's Historic Places.

Photographed in Truax, Saskatchewan on January 26, 2022.

Chesterfield S.D. No. 4050

An abandoned schoolhouse near Estuary, Saskatchewan.

It almost defies the laws of gravity.  I'm surprised it hasn't come down in one of our more than frequent wind storms of late.   

Looks a little more "upright" from this angle.

This trail leads the way to the South Saskatchewan River valley.

Photographed on November 5, 2021.

Illumination

Cathedral of Saint Helena in Helena, Montana.

November 25, 2017

Definitely an eye-catcher.  This rose window is more than eight feet in diameter and is accented by an elaborately carved stone tracery that reveals the stained glass behind.  It is mounted high above the solid oak front doors.  In total, the cathedral boasts over eleven thousand square feet of stained glass windows..."spectacular" is an understatement.

Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.

December 13, 2017

After spending the better part of a week in and around Luseland I was on my way home.  Kindersley is a good pit stop for gas and a bite to eat.  Since there was plenty of daylight left I decided to take a drive through town to see the sights.  Saint Joseph's is a mid-century brick church with an assortment of vibrant and colourful stained glass windows of modern design.    

Bethania Norwegian Lutheran Church near Northern Light, Saskatchewan.

August 5, 2020

This is one fine example of the six similarly styled windows in the apse of this large country church.  The translucent pebbled glass allows plenty of sunlight to pass through into the sanctuary.  An anchor is a familiar symbol that represents security and stability.

Saint Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church near Candiac, Saskatchewan.

May 19, 2021

Between the porch and nave of the church is a set of double doors.  Each door is fitted with a tall narrow window that has been stenciled with climbing roses...a touch of country charm.  Not exactly stained glass but equally as appealing and attractive. 

Divide County Court House in Crosby, North Dakota.

October 27, 2017

The court house was built in 1917-1918 and features terrazzo floors, brass handrails, a marble staircase, golden oak woodwork, a dome with hand-painted murals and much more.  As well, the building still houses most of its original furnishings and the large outdoor clock below the dome shows the correct time.  Directly above the front doors is this brilliant green and gold art deco styled triptych.  This window is the odd one out in this collection as it is the only one that is not in a church.

First United Church in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.

October 16, 2017

The original church structure is now well over a century old and displays several large stained glass windows of the same vintage.  Over the years the church has been built onto and shown above is the round window in the first addition.  A contemporary design to express an old adage accompanied by a grain elevator, wheat sheaf and train...a combination one only sees on the prairies.     

Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

October 7, 2017

Saint Pat's displays a fine collection of stained glass windows that exhibit a jewel-like quality like no other I've encountered in my journeys.  Shown above is one of several originals that date back to the early days when the church was built between 1912 and 1914.   

Saint Barnabas Anglican Church in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

January 8, 2018

One morning I was looking out the balcony window and standing out against the snow was the red brick tower of Saint Barnabas.  I had it on good authority that the stained glass windows were a "must see" so without any hesitation I was on the phone to the church office.  It was a quiet morning there so I was able to come over as soon as I could get there.  The church is only about four blocks from my place so with a camera tucked into a warm inside pocket, I was on my way.  After a brief but friendly conversation with the secretary I ventured into the church.  The many richly coloured stained glass windows glowed in the dimly lit interior.  Several multi-panel windows are framed by archways,  other panels are placed in dormers along the sloping roof line while some are tucked into corners or mounted on doors.  The multi-panel window shown here with vivid reds and blues set against the soft shades of a morning sunrise is just one of many to see at Saint Barnabas'. 

Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church near Tribune, Saskatchewan. 

October 29, 2017

I was staying in Weyburn, Saskatchewan for a few days visiting some old friends and exploring the countryside.  Up early one morning and on the road, this was my first stop of the day.  Holy Family is the furthest south of any church of Ukrainian heritage in all of the province that I have seen.  The six simple windows give the interior of the church a glow that is, in a word, comforting.  Quite a lovely space all around.    

Zion (Horse Butte) Lutheran Church near Kyle, Saskatchewan. 

October 23, 2018

A stylized depiction of a dove carrying an olive branch in its beak.  This photo was taken from outside through the branches of a juniper tree, through the building and across to the opposite wall of the church.  That's a photography exercise that is hit and miss at best but with reasonable success this time around.  The church sits at the top of a long rise and is visible for miles around.

Saint Andrew's United Church in Arcola, Saskatchewan. 

December 17, 2018

A lamb resting in the arms of Jesus stands above the altar and is one of two traditionally designed windows in the church.  The second window, not seen here, is a nativity scene that greets everyone at the front entrance. 

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Noonan, North Dakota.

October 28, 2017

Some years back I was on a road trip that led me to use Estevan, Saskatchewan as a "home" base for about a week.  Lots to see in the area with the added bonus of being only twenty minutes from the U.S. border.   Each day was a new adventure, and since I was in no big rush to be anywhere in particular, I stopped in most of the small towns I encountered along the way.  Noonan offered several old buildings of interest, a bucket-style water tower and a very well kept if unassuming Lutheran church.  Along the sides of the church were shaded transparent glass windows but above the altar was this intricately designed five-panel stained glass window that radiated light and colour.  Gave me a whole new meaning of the word "illumination..." and what a great way to start the day!

Saint Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church near Maryville, Saskatchewan.

August 7, 2020

A long abandoned church that remains an iconic symbol of the past.  Foremost to this first visit, Saint Ascension is one of those extraordinary places where there is a persistence of memory so thick that one can all but touch it...everything that is past is still present.  An exceptional experience making a return trip here something to cherish.  The photo is another "see-through..." and in this case taken through one window, through the drum that holds up the dome and then focusing on the window opposite where some pieces of the coloured glass border endure...a little colour to brighten up an otherwise gray day. 

      

If you enjoyed this collection, try the links below for more illumination:

A Baker's Dozen

Church Windows

Happy Valentine's Day

Flowers are just the best on Valentine's Day (and they don't need to be roses either).

Photographed in the Cypress Hills of Alberta on July 9, 2021.

Folly

A stone folly beside a farmer's driveway.  There really is no practical purpose for a folly except as a decoration...and what a handsome decoration it is.  

I'll bet every kid in the county would like one beside their driveway.

Photographed somewhere between Oyen and Acadia Valley, Alberta on December 12, 2021.

Michael and Mary

Michael and Mary Stelmach's final resting place at Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery.

The ceramic photographs on the headstones give the impression of "meeting" them...just as if they were still with us (as I'm sure they are).

Photographed near Tadmore, Saskatchewan on July 27, 2021.