Синя церква на снігу

Blue Church in the Snow.

This is Saint Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery near Punnichy, Saskatchewan.

The colour blue is often associated with Mary Mother of God.

Blue benches and a silver Orthodox cross between the church and cemetery.

A few of the shorter headstones are almost buried in the snow.

The entryway also doubles as the bell tower.

The royal doors at the front of the church...

...and a tiny balcony in poor repair at the back.

Photographed on January 21, 2021.

Brandon S.D. No. 4367

A pioneer school near Stornoway, Saskatchewan.

From 1921-1969 is a good run for a one-room school.

A reunion was held here in 1985.

The sign mounted on the gable above the front door.

Photographed on January 7, 2020. 

Saint Joseph at Frenchville

The crucifix in Saint Joseph Cemetery at Frenchville, Saskatchewan.

It's no surprise that many of the names are of French heritage.

A second look at the crucifix from the township road.  This recent and most welcome addition to cemetery is quite a remarkable carving and well worth the drive to see it first hand.

Saint Joseph Parish is just down the road from the cemetery.  

Over the years the original church built in 1912 was bursting at the seams with growing families.  It was replaced in 1939-40 by the building seen in these photographs.  The small covered cairn to the left of the church houses the bell from the church bell tower.  Pull the rope...ring it loud! 

Photographed on June 12, 2020.

Sion United Church

The United Church and Cemetary at Sion, Alberta.

The church is the definition of spartan.

Birth dates in the cemetary go back to 1844.

A thoughtful someone attached a blue bird house on the back wall of the church. 

Simple and attractive...stop by if you're in the neighbourhood.  It's rare to see an old church structure in such an undisturbed state. 

Photographed on February 17, 2021.

Honeymoon

Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church near Honeymoon, Saskatchewan.

Not far down the road is Honeymoon Cemetery.

A collection of headstones in the cemetery.

The official road sign at the T-intersection.

The cemetery in winter.  The stylized cattail design of the black iron gate contrasts dramatically against the stark white snow...

...and the church just down the road.

Photographed on August 6, 2020 and January 18, 2021.

Assumption of the B.V.M

The congregation of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church was established by Germans from southern Russia in 1906.

The charcoal-coloured steeple is attractive if somewhat ominous in appearance. 

Photographed in Holdfast, Saskatchewan on August 8, 2020.

Saint Charles at Tawatinaw

The first Saint Charles church was a small log building located west of Tawatinaw.  

When it burned down in 1917 it was soon replaced by the church you see here in the photos.  

In 1935 the church was moved into town where it remains.

Photographed in Tawatinaw, Alberta on February 18, 2021.

Nice Views

Friends are vacationing in Bigfork, Montana on Flathead Lake.  Nice views!

Photographed by Linda Gordon on February 24, 2021 (sunrise) and March 5, 2021 (sunset).

Ascension of Our Lord (in Winter)

Ascension of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church with a fresh covering of snow.

The dome is atypical being a "perfect" rounded shape...rounded domes aren't as common as one might think.

In warmer weather this would be the perfect spot for a picnic.

Photographed near Whitkow, Saskatchewan on November 23, 2020.

Sunrise at Saint Saviour's

Sunrise at Saint Saviour's Anglican Church near Birch Hills, Saskatchewan. 

It was built in 1905 with the spire and bell being added in 1912.  

The gate sign for the church and cemetery. 

Photographed on January 19, 2021.