Notre Dame de Savoie Church is one of the first places I really wanted to check out for myself when I started getting into this whole exploring thing. When I finally got to the church for the first time, I made it the subject of my very first blog post.
A recent exploring trip brought me in the vicinity of the church (near Halkirk, AB) and since I wasn't too far away at that point, I headed to Notre Dame. A friend of mine, who hasn't been able to see it for himself, was worried that it might have succumbed to the the heavy wind storms that have blown through the area this year. I was preparing for the worst as I headed down the gravel road, but it's still standing. A little saggier and bowing a bit more, but still standing. Who isn't a bit saggy at 102? I used my math skills and I calculated that this church has been unused longer than it was in use. (1915-1964)
One thing I didn't mention much or show photos of in my previous post, is the cemetery. It has a few dozen interments dating from 1919 - current. The cemetery is looked after.
It's funny how we feel protective over certain places. In my case, I have no connection to Notre Dame or the area but still I think about this place often. I am sure one of us who cares about this place will check on it after what could be a long cold winter. Here's hoping for an easy winter for this old church who has survived more than 100 winters already.
"It's funny how we feel protective over certain places." I was going to post something along the same lines. Your last paragraph said it better than I could. I do not have the resources to look after a few places (wish I did) but I like to check in on some of them to see if they are still surviving. It means something to see a place hold out and hold on.
ReplyDeleteThanks BW. If I ever had the means, I fix up and live in an old church or some other cool building.
DeleteThe church is disintegrating in the most beautiful way and the cemetery looks so handsome with its woven wire fence and clipped grass. Nice post, Jenn.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael, it's a beautifully sad place. I saw photos of it from 2009 and 2011, it has deteriorated a lot since then.
DeleteSeems like the old girl is still fighting to stay alive. I hope she can hold on a bit longer. I really like this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicki, fighting for sure....will see how the winter treats her!
DeleteYou don't often see churches abandoned and disintegrating. I think it will be more common now as congregations shrink and churches are put up for sale. If those walls could talk...
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie, fascinating isn't it? Sad too.
DeleteLooks like it has just a few years to stand before mother nature wins out
ReplyDeleteI agree Adam...will be sad to post when the inevitable happens.
DeletePoor little old swaybacked church! That cemetery is quite nicely looked after, I'd say.
ReplyDeleteHi Debra. I can imagine how it used to look. Sad that these places can't all be saved but it's great that someone tends to the cemetery.
DeleteWho knew when this church was built that it would have such a long life. It looks so isolated but it is standing strong. Be interesting to see how long it actually stays standing. The cemetery looks so clean and peaceful. I wonder if the people who helped build the church are resting there. Awesome photos of a beautiful and desolate area. I like it very much.
ReplyDeleteHi Bill! Interestingly, a new church was built in 1964 to replace this one and is no longer standing. This one probably doesn't have much time left.
DeleteI am sure there are some in the cemetery, it's mostly pioneers of the area and their families. Thanks for visiting!
Hi Jenn :) Wow, you can really see the damage on the church's belfry in those photos...it looks so fragile, I hope it makes it! As always I really love the cemetery photos, I find it very fascinating and beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rain! I do too!
DeleteOnly a few years ago that poor belfry was much straighter and so was the roof.