Last fall I revisited Saint Elias near Pakan with the main purpose of exploring the old bell house. See some history of it here: "Щасливого Різдва!"
The new wooden siding is already starting to have that weathered look. I believe the interior is mostly original to when it was built in 1906.
Just inside the door there are a number of interesting objects.
These are some of the shingles from the original bell house roof.
These are some of the old shingle nails.
I wonder how much they cost now? When the bell house was completed in 1906, Alberta had only been a province for one year.
The bell house served many purposes.
This was the sign attached to the bell house when it was part of the Shandro Museum.
A couple of montages on the walls.
The stairs are just inside the door and lead up...
...to where the bells are mounted. The bells were purchased at a cost of $170.00 and installed in 1906. I'll bet the ladies in the congregation sold a lot of cookies and Christmas cakes to raise all that money. Good on 'em.
This is a photo (of an historical photo inside the bell house) of the original church that burned down in 1954. I would have loved to see the old church but I wasn't even born at the time.
And this is the beautiful church the congregation built after the fire.
As it happens, I was misinformed about how the bell tower came home to Saint Elias. The truth of the matter is that when the Shandro Museum disbanded, the right of ownership reverted back to Saint Elias. And I, for one, am glad they brought is back home. Even though I am in no way connected to Saint Elias, seeing the new church united with the old bell tower left me with a sense of satisfaction. One of those little things that brings such larger joys.
Over the years I've had the privilege and pleasure to visit dozens upon dozens of churches and cemeteries, bell towers and memorial sites all across the prairie provinces and states. Every one is special in its own way but Saint Elias is one of a tiny handful that is unforgettable and, dare I say, precious. Heartfelt thanks to all those who care for this beautiful place out in the country.
Historical information courtesy of the Canadian Orthodox History Project.
Photographed at Saint Elias Russo Greek Orthodox Church and Cemetery near Pakan, Alberta on November 8, 2024.
