Monday, August 28, 2017

Nothing Cheesy about Chedderville


Chedderville is another area that is part of the pioneer history of Alberta. It had a school, post office and a church. The school operated from 1918-1959. The original school was torn down and the 2 brought in to replace it, from nearby districts, are no longer there.

The post office operated from 1926-1967. The origin of the name is unknown, however there was a source that says many of the early settlers were from England, and specifically, 2 brothers were from Cheddar. Another source says this is a cheese producing area. If either of these are true why would the spelling be altered? And why is Chedderville Cheddar not in my house right now. Who knows. Also I am holding back the cheese puns out of respect.

The Chedderville Anglican church wasn't built until 1948. Previous to that, services were held in homes and then in an old house supplied by a local resident. It was built entirely by donations, free labour and material. It was named All Hallows after All Hallows on the Hill in London, England. A cemetery was added later, and the first burial took place in 1954.

There is worn and faded sign by the front entry that reads:

All Hallows 
Anglican Church of Canada
Chedderville
First Sunday of Every Month 2PM









The sign in front is obviously old and this lovely little church needs some repairs and TLC. Looking inside the windows the pews are lined up and it looks ready for a service. I can't confirm if they still hold services or events here. I would like to find out though. 

If anyone has any history or stories of Chedderville, I would love to hear them!



References: Days Before Yesterday: History of Rocky Mountain House District; Place Names of Alberta Vol.III Central Alberta


11 comments:

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    1. Thanks BW, don't know how I didn't see it before!!

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  2. Please tell me it's next to Mozzarellaville?

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  3. That's a nice little church. The three-point arched window in the apse is a nice touch...when the reverend was preaching the light from the window would cast an aura of light all around him. Now that's good design! :-)

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    1. I thought you might like this one! Yes, the light would have been just right for the morning service!

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  4. I was immediately drawn to the post for obvious reasons lol...That's interesting about the spelling of the name based on the history! The little church is really beautiful. Very nice photography Jenn :)

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    1. Thanks Rain! I think Chedderville Cheese Co. should be a thing featuring Rainy Day Artisan cheeses!! I can see it now! :)

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    2. Ha! You flatter me! :) But there is no guarantee that my Cheddar will make it as far as Alberta lol...

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  5. Hi Jenn,
    Thank you for this blog. This is the church that I was baptized in. I am related to many of the people buried in the cemetery. This is a beautiful little church, we took our family photos there last fall. Unfortunately, there hasn't been a service held in years. The foundation of the building is in need of repair, and there is not enough interest or funds to repair it where it stands. Luckily, the Wheels of Time Museum in Caroline, Ab, has offered to move the church to their museum site and repair what is needed and use it as part of their tour. As heartbreaking as it is to see it go from it's original spot, where I get to drive by and see it everyday, I am so thankful that the museum has taken on this project. Now many people will get the opportunity to step back into time in this little church.

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    1. Hi! What a great place to take family photos! I had read about the Wheels of Time being interested in it, I think they recently raised some money towards this which is great to see. I agree, it's nice to see them in their original places but also nice to see it preserved. Thank you for the comment!

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