Notre Dame de Savoie Church

For my first post, I want to share my most recent adventure through Central Alberta.  This place was one I have been meaning to visit.  I knew I had a few hours to myself so I loaded up the essentials: coffee, camera, lenses, back road atlas, water, snacks, rubber boots, more coffee and some good music.  I also stopped for coffee along the way. 

Notre Dame de Savoie can be found on a quiet crossroads NE of Halkirk, AB.  Kitty-Corner to the church is a cemetery that appears to be kept up.  Beyond that is the Paintearth Mine operation.

This church was built around 1915 by the local Francophone community and was in use until 1964.  A newer church was then built nearby but has since been torn down.  Notre Dame sits silently, save for the flapping and cooing of the pigeon population inside.  I didn't venture into pigeon territory any further than the threshold.  You never know with these old places and exploring alone makes me extra cautious.  My over active imagination also doesn't help....picture falling through the floor boards and being covered in pigeon poop or WORSE.  No thanks.  

I took a few moments to soak in the peaceful quietness and to think about what an important place and hub of activity this once was to so many settlers and families in the area. Even in this state, it still holds a certain charm and beauty and I am hoping it withstands the elements a bit longer.  À la prochaine!