On my last trip to Lloydminster, I stopped at several churches along the way. This church is right beside the highway, east of Camrose, AB. You can't miss it. It was one of 4 churches I stopped at that day.
This area of Alberta was predominantly settled by Scandinavian people, including a large cluster of Norwegian people. Over 20 Norwegian settlements were established within a 50 mile radius of Camrose, making it the largest concentration of Norwegian settlements in Canada.
After holding services in various homes, 5 families formed a congregation in 1909 and chose the name Hegre after a place in Norway. Over the next few years funds were raised and land donated. The church held it's first service in 1915, even though the interior of the church was unfinished. It was during the summer of 1916 that the interior was plastered, painted and the alter and balcony were built.
The church is no longer used for service but is used for special events. It was added to the Alberta Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Unfortunately I was not able to see inside, if this blog reaches anyone that knows this church, I would love to hear from you or see more photos.
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| Always have to add a selfie from our adventures! |
References: HeRMIS; Plaque on site
Photos taken on September 15, 2017
Been here. Love Norwegian Lutheran Churches.
ReplyDeleteTotal number of Norwegian Lutheran Churches I have seen = 1
DeleteIt's our family church..my great grandfather was instrumental in the establishing and building of it..inside are hand made alter with intricate carving of areas...there is a way to see the inside..you just have to know whom to call...the Christmas services held there are wonderful and very old fashioned!!!!
DeletePosting picture of the inside of this church on my facebook
DeleteHi Debbie, thanks for the comments! That's so neat that you have that connection to this church. I will look for you on Facebook.
DeleteNice spire!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debra, it's a nice little church.
DeleteYou and your little sweetie have such great adventures, Jenn. Great photos. I always look forward to seeing them, especially the selfies. The second last picture is incredible!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie! I hope he remembers these trips as happy times when he is older. I really like how black and white looks!!
DeleteJenn, you've seen more than 1 Norwegian Lutheran church. Ferry Point and Bethany Lutheran were also Norwegian Lutheran congregations. Well, some Swedish families too, but predominantly Norwegian.
ReplyDeleteAhhh thanks Tim!! I didn't realize they were also Norwegian. Awesome!
DeleteMeeting Creek, Edberg, Ferry Point, Donalda, Forestburg, all settled by lots of Norwegians. The Swarens are Norwegian! Started out as Svarn.
ReplyDeleteSvarn! Cool!
DeleteLove the steeple on this one! Nice one, Jenn.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael, I would love to see inside this one. I heard the altar is beautiful!
DeleteWhat a pretty looking small church. It looks nice out there in the country. The sky is pretty impressive too. My favorite is the b&w version, it is absolutely beautiful. Another great adventure ended with a wonderful photo of the two of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bill! There is something so interesting about b&w. I find if I have a photo I am not happy with, it looks better in b&w.
DeleteSelfies are a must! :) I can't count how many I have with the dogs lol...that church is really beautiful and I love the cemetery too. Very pretty pics Jenn! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rain! Lol dog selfies are the best!
DeleteI've been in this church years ago. Sisters BF at the time had a rock band and practiced here.
ReplyDeleteYes, this church rocks!
PS: Viking should be a pretty good indication your in a Norge Territories :-)
Hi Ron! That's awesome, I imagine the acoustics in a church are great for bands!!
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