Here is a copy of the invitation that went out to local residents:
The reason I came to see the old church, also know as Manfred Hungarian Church, was that I heard that it is to be demolished. No date given but better to get out there sooner rather than later. When I arrived there was actually 2 other people there, in the cemetery. The man I spoke to confirmed that it was going to be torn down but he didn't know when. He said it's safe to go inside the church, so I took that as permission enough and made my way up the little hill to the church. The other visitors left and I was on my own, so if I had fallen through any floorboards, I might still be there.
The church, originally built in 1910, has gone through some changes. The church steeple was damaged in 1935 and was replaced by a wooden cross until 1955. The same year, a major reconstruction and renovation took place, which brought in a modern heating system and electricity.
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| Courtesy of the Ponoka News c.1910 at the consecration of the church when it opened. |
As you will see in the photos below there is nothing left inside. The Ponoka News reports that the last wedding was performed in 1971 and 4 years later the church closed. The doors remained open until the mid 80's but were then locked due to the theft of some valuable items. I have to believe karma will get those who steal, especially from a church.
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| 1955/56 after the renovation. Courtesy of the Ponoka News. |
Now that we have seen the inside, minus the basement which I did not check out, let's see the outside!
You may notice it looks quite different than the original construction and quite unusual looking for a pioneer church. Shame that this unique building with an abundance of history will soon be no longer. I am hoping to head out there for some sunset photos as it is in a perfect location for some sunset action. I better not wait.
Thanks to Glen Bowe. Check out his blog post on this church: https://glenbowe.home.blog/contact/
