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/
Lovely. lovely post, friend Jenn … Once the mud dries, I will contact you regarding my old and still standing homestead … west of the meridian … and the secrets of the woods and the cabin and all that … Much love, cat.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cat, I'd like that!
DeleteWhat a pity that it's in such a condition.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gorges. It really is, I read that there is going to be a lot of old churches being demolished in the next few years around the province. Sad.
DeleteSuch a shame that the old building will be demolished; the internal work seems to have been made of plywood and, while I've seen plenty of wooden churches, I don't recall seeing a plywood one before. Shame too on those who would steal from a church. One advantage of our stone-built churches is that they tend to survive for a long time even as a ruin. I was looking at the remains of one only yesterday which has stood unloved and neglected for several centuries.
ReplyDeleteHi John, it was unusual inside but it was funny because the wood color and the cabinets back in one of the side rooms looked just like my grandparents old house from about the same era. Must have been a style then...unfortunately lol. How I wish we had more stone buildings here!
Delete...it's a sad day when a church is demolished and there must be a special place in hell for those who steal from a church. Thanks Jenn for recording this little church on the prairie, it is a vessel of memories! So good to see you back!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom, I am glad I had the free day to get to the church and see it. Glad to be back, this trip to the church was my first trip in awhile....it was so cold and snowy for so long it felt like.
DeleteAnd it makes a terrific new header pic for your blog! Talk about a "lonesome prairie" shot.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debra! It really felt lonesome which was why I was surprised to see another vehicle there, after they left though not even another car passed by and I was there for awhile. The solitude was nice.
DeleteGood to see you back posting with an excellent post.
ReplyDeleteThanks BW, it was a long winter lol.
DeleteSad news about the old place but you did it proud with this post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie, I feel energized and ready to explore more!
DeleteIt is sad to see it so rundown!
ReplyDeleteHi RedPat, yes it is sad. I think a lot more old places will be coming down in the next few years.
DeleteIt is sad to see.
ReplyDeleteHi William, I agree. Especially seeing the empty inside.
DeleteGreat pics, thanks again Jenn
ReplyDeleteOf course, thanks for reading!
DeleteVery nice post Jenn. That is a cool building on a great site. Never been there so I guess i should soon before it's gone.
ReplyDeleteIt is worth a visit!
DeleteThat is an old church
ReplyDeleteHi Adam, old and very different with that 'false front' style.
DeleteSad to see but you got some nice photos of it. Love the new header.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill! I am glad to have got some good photos and to have something good to finally post about.
DeleteEpic photos! It sure has changed in appearance since built. Sad when a place like this has to go, but I guess nothing is forever. And it so pains us to hear about the thievery. My goodness, is anything safe?
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris! All kinds out there but who would steal from a church?? Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteOh that's so sad to see Jenn. It looks so forlorn sitting up there on the hill, a shadow of its former self. Even more so when you see in the old photo that it once had a considerable congregation ✨
ReplyDeleteHi PDP! I always wonder what it must be like for someone who got married or went to church there. Must be even sadder.
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