I found this gem (that colour!) while on the way to Lloydminster, AB last week. It is located SE of Mannville on a quiet road. It's a tiny site, the church and a couple dozen graves surrounded by trees, blink and you might miss it.
When the railroad came through the area in 1904, group settlement was encouraged, this particular area attracted a lot of English settlers. The area, named Stellaville, quickly established a store, post office and school. As nearby Mannville was along the rail line, it became the larger centre. Stellaville remained a tiny hamlet with a distinct English character, as can be seen in the design of St. Helen's Anglican church. The church was built in the summer of 1912, with the first service being a Thanksgiving service held in October of 1912. One wealthy member of the church, commissioned a stained glass window all the way from Italy. It was said to be the most beautiful stained glass window in the whole Edmonton Diocese. I couldn't find any sign of anything else that was part of the Stellaville community.
The last burial was in 1969 and the last services were held at St. Helen's in the Summer of 1976. The original stained glass window was moved St. Saviours Anglican Church in Vermilion in 1980. I'd like to stop by there to see it in person next time I am up that way.
I don't ever expect to find unlocked doors but the church was open and a guest book was inside, maybe because it is a Historic Site? In any case, I love being able to see inside these places. According to the guest book, it has regular visitors. Before us, the last visitor wrote a note praying for a good harvest.
The church is kept up and looked after thanks to the Stellaville Historical Society. Thanks Stellaville Historical Society!
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| A registered Alberta Historic Site in 2000. |
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| I would love to have seen the original stained glass window. |
References: HeRMIS; Handwritten history inside the church and on the plaque
Great shots!
ReplyDeleteThanks BW! Late in the day by the time I got to that church!
DeleteI like the green trim on the exterior
ReplyDeleteMe too! It's unique.
DeleteIt's lovely inside especially that stained glass window! Beautiful in its simplicity!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debra, I love the simplicity of so many of these country churches. I love the old wood floors.
DeleteLove the door and the tower. It is great to keep the history of those sites alive.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad people had the idea to form historical societies to preserve these places, I wish they could all be saved!
DeleteThat's a lovely little church. Many of the Anglican churches I've come across have an "open door policy"...a nice thing to see in this day and age.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael! Definitely a nice little church. I love the crenelated tower.
DeleteI grew up on the farm nearby and attended this church as a small child. Every time I am home a stop at the church is a must! And yes, the original stained glass windows I remember well. They were amazing, and I am glad to know that they are protected and preserved.
ReplyDeleteMy Uncle James Scott, my grandmother Ivy Ellen Coe, and my great grandparents William and Ellen Coe are all buried here. I remember in 1961 when my great grandfather died that the ground was frozen and they stacked and burned old tires on the grave site in order to be dig.
It has been kept up and preserved beautifully, thanks to volunteers. And thank you Jenn for sharing a little piece of my history!
I’m trying to see if I still have any living relatives near here. In 1962 Great Aunt Florie (& George) wrote “we live in Mannville, 100 miles east of Edmonton opposite the English Church”. If you think you may have any helpful info I’m kimcdyson1@gmail.com
DeleteMy grndmother, Elizabeth Currey was buried there in 1938-I think. My son, grand daughter and myself plan to visit on May 31/23. B. Milne
ReplyDelete