While out on the 'Great One Day Road Trip Expedition of September 2019', this was one of the churches along the way, near Innisfree. There is no shortage of churches in rural Alberta, some in use or occasional use, and some sadly on the verge of collapse. This one seems to be in the occasional use category. I couldn't find anything on this church in my usual search spots.
The badly faded sign states that this is a Seventh Day Adventist Church now. It likely wasn't always. However on the inside, along with Seventh Day Adventist bibles, there was a sign in Cyrillic (I think). Perhaps this church is used by a couple different congregations. I am not sure when someone was inside last but judging by some nice cobwebs all over my face, it might have been awhile. The grounds outside, however, were mowed and tidy.
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| Little cemetery in the corner. |
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| I adore these light fixtures. |
If you happen to know anything about this church, I'd love to hear it!
...what a wonderful old church. Often the history of them is impossible to learn.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tom, usually I can find a mention or something in a history book. Although I don't know it's original name, I am sure it wasn't always a Seventh Day Adventist church. I bet someone will message me with some details.
DeleteIt's interesting that the church was open. So many churches are locked when not in use these days.
ReplyDeleteHi David, I didn't think it'd be open but was pleasantly surprised. It happens occasionally that they are open, but sadly lots have had to keep their doors locked.
DeleteLove that first photo of the church against that sky! Beautiful series!
ReplyDeleteThanks! That's my fave of that church too!
DeleteVery nice interior!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gorges, it really was very nice!
DeleteThe occasional use status quo sometimes happens here, especially in cottage areas where a church might see regular use during the summer, but that's it.
ReplyDeleteHi William, I guess being used sometimes is better than never! I see a few that have a service a month or just a Christmas service or just special occasions..weddings, etc.
DeleteA charming little building, and surprisingly pleasant inside. The name Innisfree suggests to me that the area was settled by Irish immigrants - and homesick Irish people at that, for "The Isle of Innisfree" by W B Yeats was one of the first symbols of the Celtic revival. Innisfree itself is an uninhabited island so it's more likely that the church takes its name from the poem rather than the actual place. They must have forgotten too that the "innis" part of the name meant "island".
ReplyDeleteHi John, I bet you are correct. I did read that it means 'healthy island'.
DeleteNice church
ReplyDeleteThanks Adam!
DeleteLooks like they have maintained the inside well.
ReplyDeleteHello, yes it's good to see it looking so nice inside.
DeleteIt looks better inside than out.
ReplyDeleteHi Debra....agree!!!
DeleteCool find. The Seventh Day Adventist Church was founded in 1863 in the States. If you found Cyrillic writing in there it definitely wasn't the same denomination.
ReplyDeleteHi Glen, yes it looks like it used by a couple groups.
DeleteVery nice photos and story Jenn. Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting! :)
DeleteYour first pics gives the impression that it is in pretty good shape and then came the closeups! Inside looks good though.
ReplyDeleteHi RedPat, yes the inside is great! Does 'it's what's inside the counts' apply here? lol
DeleteA simple basic wee church, I like it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill, I do too, not particularly nice on the outside but nice inside!
DeleteThere is another lil church somewhere there, maybe it's the same one, friend Jenn … It's some few miles between Eckville then east and then towards Bentley … Used to be a Lutheran church … maybe still is … I dunno know, Love, cat.
ReplyDeleteHi Cat! I think I know the one you mean, and I am going back again to see it once it snows.
Deletea charming, well maintained little church. you photographed it beautifully!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie! It still amazes me how many churches are out there!
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving! That's a nice find Jenn. Looks like a nice spot for a picnic.
ReplyDeleteLittle Saint Margaret's Church in the Cypress Hills had a houseful for Thanksgiving service...that means 32 people and 1 dog (who was popular with everyone, especially the little kids). Cheers!
Hi Michael, thanks! It would be a nice spot for a picnic. Sounds like a great event! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteHello Agnes, thank you! The inside was very nice.
ReplyDelete