A continuation of the recently posted "Just in Passing - Part 1." Enjoy!
Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kaleland, Alberta.
Photographed on February 26, 2022.
A beautiful stone church fronted by a wrought iron fence attached to stone pillars. It was built in 1917 of local fieldstone and is complemented by three domes of varied size along the roof peak plus two small cupolas on either side of the front facade. This is the only stone church in the surrounding area.
The Nativity of the Holy Virgin Orthodox Church of Kysylew, Alberta.
Photographed on February 28, 2022.
The two large central domes are a striking feature of this cruciform shaped church constructed in 1950. The drum supporting the dome above the front doors has louvres instead of windows which suggests it may house a bell. Finely-crafted wrought iron crosses are mounted on top of each dome and cupola. This building replaced the original log church that was built in 1902 when it burned down in 1949.
The Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kahwin, Alberta.
Photographed on February 27, 2022.
The first church of the congregation was built here in 1932 but was destroyed by fire the very next year. The second temple, shown here, was completed in 1934. It is one of the very few country churches that use the hand-painted bronze-coloured metal for the dome and cupolas. The combination of the bronze with the blue trim is striking.
Holy Transfiguration Russo Greek Orthodox Church at Northbank-Lobstick, Alberta.
Photographed on February 28, 2022.
A large steel gate sign mounted on stone pillars stands over the entrance to a church of straightforward design built in 1952. For many years previous this was the site of an Anglican church with a cemetery that was used by both Anglican and Métis families, in effect a community cemetery. As the Anglicans moved away and the old church fell into disrepair it was dismantled and years later the windows from that church were used to build Holy Transfiguration Church.
A short distance south is the historic Victoria Trail which runs along the northern bank of the North Saskatchewan River...a scenic drive at any time of the year.
Saint Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church of Boian, Alberta.
Photographed on February 28, 2022.
The church is just visible about mid-centre behind the trees at the top of the hill. I meet someone new every time I stop here. On this occasion I met a member of the church who was taking photos of the church with a drone for the church's website. A sure sign of welcoming is an open gate.
Siracky Chapel near Mundare, Alberta.
Photographed on February 27, 2022.
Wonderful little stone chapel alongside a country road in Lamont County. It was built in 1940 and dedicated the following year to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival of Ukrainian pioneers to Canada. Another fifty years later it was rededicated on the one hundredth anniversary. The door is always unlocked.
Romanian Orthodox Church of Saint Mary near Hairy Hill, Alberta.
Photographed on February 26, 2022.
A small country church partially hidden behind a dense caragana hedge. When I talked to the man taking aerial photos at Saint Mary's of Boian he confirmed what I heard months earlier from Father Panciuk...the little church will most likely be dismantled in the near future. See it soon before it becomes just a memory.
Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church near Mundare, Alberta.
Photographed on February 27, 2022.
Not far from Siracky Chapel is this church known as Spas-Moskalyk. It was built in 1924 to replace the original chapel that had burned down. Over time the congregation of this grand church dwindled and the building fell into disuse and disrepair. After many years of neglect a decision was made to restore the church. Within a few years of that decision being made, the building was lifted and moved onto a new foundation directly beside the original location and soon after the move the church was repainted. Now, over the past couple of years work on the church seems to have come to a halt. I don't know the reason for ceasing the work but I sincerely do hope the restoration continues to fruition.
Holy Ascension Russo Orthodox Church of Wasel, AB.
Photographed on February 27, 2022.
A weathered church built in 1901. At one time the church served the people living on the many small farms in the area but now all those little farms are gone. I don't believe the church has offered regular services for many, many years but the cemetery is still in use. Yes, the gate here is closed, but I don't see it as a sign of not being welcome, it's something far more practical. It's closed simply to keep out unwanted vehicular traffic. I would imagine the only time the gate is opened now is during a funeral.
All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Bellis, Alberta.
Photographed on February 28, 2022.
The church stands in a large open area on the eastern edge of town. It looks smart in pale-yellow with white trim and charcoal-coloured roof. The grounds and buildings are always nicely maintained. Looks like the perfect spot for a summer picnic or a wedding.
Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Stry, Alberta.
Photographed on February 26, 2022.
Four cupolas and a large central dome grace this church that stands only about a hundred feet off the main road. It doesn't appear to be used during the winter but is possibly host to an annual celebration or two in the summer months.
Saints Peter and Paul Russo Orthodox Cemetery at Dickie Bush, Alberta.
Photographed on February 28, 2022.
The cemetery was established in 1906 and sits on a hillside offering a spectacular view towards the south and west. A vast array of headstones new and old are gathered around a mountain ash tree that provides food for birds spending the winter as well as those returning in the spring
Somewhere in my research I found a reflection from a parishioner: "God lives at Dickie Bush."
Hope you enjoyed the tour.
Information courtesy of:
Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton
Lamont County Self-Guided Church Tour
Historical Driving Tour - Ukrainian Churches in East Central Alberta
Canada's Historic Places / Hermis / Alberta Register of Historic Places
