Skabo

As the crow flies...

About thirty-five miles southwest of Lac Qui Parle Church in southeastern Saskatchewan stands Skabo Lutheran Church on the flat plains of North Dakota.

The church was initially built by Norwegian settlers as a prairie school house in 1918.  In 1948 it was converted to a church where services were held until the 1980s at which time regular services ceased.  The interior of the church has been regularly maintained since its closure.

And in 2002 the church underwent an exterior restoration with much of the work being completed and funded by former parishioners and relatives of area settlers along with some hired help.  My visit here some fifteen years later revealed the church to still be in fine condition and the cemetery well tended.  

The name Skabo (pronounced ska-bow, emphasis on the "bow") comes from the homesteader's native city of Skabu, Norway.  Somehow the "u" was replaced with an "o" and the new name stuck.  The signs display both spellings of the name.

Thanks to the Williston Herald for helpful information regarding this pioneer church and cemetery.  And thanks again to those area residents who provided vital information about this and other churches, cemeteries, school houses and points of interest in Divide County, North Dakota.

Photographed near Grenora, North Dakota on October 27, 2017.

Lac Qui Parle

The Lac Qui Parle Scandinavian Lutheran Congregation was established in 1905 and was named after Lac Qui Parle County in Minnesota, the former home of these mostly Norwegian immigrants.  

"Lac Qui Parle" is a French translation of the native Dakota name meaning "lake which speaks."  There were no French-speaking people involved with this settlement, neither is there a lake.  I believe the chosen name had much to do with their homesickness for Minnesota.

The church remains active to this day, as does the cemetery where the first burial took place in 1906.  The church building was completed in November 1915 and remains in fine condition; the interior being particularly well preserved.  The severe lines and angles of the exterior are in sharp contrast to the rich yet soft indoor ambience.  There's something about the combination of baby blue and white that is so comforting.   

 

As is seen in the photographs, both the church and cemetery are meticulously kept.  "Thank you" to those who care. 

On a personal note...  I grew up not far from Lac Qui Parle but the trip through the area was so much more than just a memory...it really was "all new" to me, and that was more than a welcome and pleasant surprise.  I ended up driving around the countryside until well after dark, just taking in the ambience of the past presence.  

Photographed near Torquay, Saskatchewan on October 17, 2017.

Dauphin Train Station

This handsome CNR train station in Dauphin, Manitoba was built in 1912 and designated a Heritage Railway Station in 1990.  I can't remember ever seeing a train station built of brick before so this was a treat.

I couldn't actually back up far enough to get the entire building into the camera frame except for this one angled view.,,but I'm sure you get the idea.  It's a beauty!

Photographed on August 23, 2022.

Horses

Horses on the plains near Red Rock Coulee.

And curious animals they are.  Within seconds they were up close and personal, offering a soft muzzle for a brief stroke and then back out onto the prairie.  

Can't beat these transient, memorable moments with animals.

Photographed midway between Seven Persons and Orion, Alberta on September 20, 2017.

I'm Hiding

Gardening in Pat's yard a couple of summers ago...

This little ground squirrel would "hide" in the drain pipe whenever I passed by...then as soon as I rounded the corner was quickly back to eating the johnny-jump-ups.  Cute little bugger anyway.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 30, 2021.

Move 'em Up, Head 'em Out

On my roundabout way from Brandon to Snowflake...

A ranch sign that instantly reminded me of watching reruns of "Rawhide" when I was a kid.

Those were the days.

Photographed near Boissevain, Manitoba on August 17. 2022.

Prairie Hare

A prairie hare amongst the headsones at a country cemetery.  

As soon as he or she noticed me...gone like a flash!  They don't want anything to do with people...and somedays I have much the same feeling.

Photographed at Saint Demetrius Cemetery near Gardenton, Manitoba on August 22, 2022.

Cossack School Sign

A handmade sign at the site of a one-room schoolhouse that opened in 1931.

The following is a direct quote regarding Cossack School from the book "Pioneering with a Piece of Chalk" by William Peter Baergen:

"Opened in January 1931 by Annie Sawchuk

(Antoniuk), who taught at this school from 1931

to 1937. There were 17 students from Grade 1–7.

By the spring, enrolment had increased to 24.

She lived alone in a 10’ x 12’ shack, which

caused her to become very lonely, to the point

of sickness. She visited each family on foot.

Closed in 1952."

The sign bears the names of Cossack's students, but not that of the teacher.

Photographed north of Smoky Lake, Alberta on September 20, 2021.

Lesje Church

A cold winter's day in North Dakota.  It was a few hours on the road before I reached my first planned destination of the day: Lesje Church.  I wasn't sure what to expect but was astounded by the size and overall beauty of this country church and cemetery in the proverbial "middle of nowhere."

Lesje Church could easily seat a few hundred parishioners...large and handsome with a welcome that is embracing.  

It reminded me somewhat of the church I went to as a child though on a much grander scale.  As a youngster I went to the Swedish Baptist Church in Midale, Saskatchewan where, by my early teens, had decided the motto of the church was: "you can do anything you want...as long as it's not any fun."  And so, being a teenager, I had my own ideas about things.  But you know, through all that teenage angst I never lost respect for those who felt close to the church and always wished them well and maintained a number of good friendships with both young and old parishioners.   

Several stained glass windows decorate the walls, entryway and transoms...all of which are well conceived and designed for the church.  The old-fashioned altar is beautiful and the spaciousness is grand to say the least.  

Lesje Church was built over a century ago and I can't imagine how these Norwegian settlers managed to build and decorate such a splendid country church.  But they did, and the church and grounds are still well kept and inviting to strangers like me who pass by on a cold winter's day. 

Photographed near Roth, North Dakota on December 15, 2018.

"Ghost Church"

Rudser Lutheran Church stands like a "ghost church" on a country road in northwestern North Dakota.  At one time the centre of activity for miles around...now all covered in white and home only to ghosts of the past.

Still a lovely place...obviously well respected and well kept.  Bless those who take care of our history.

Can't believe it's been over five years since my visit.  What I remember is the beautiful fall weather and that it simply felt great to be out on the road.  Happy trails to you!

Photographed near Zahl, North Dakota on October 28, 2017.