The building of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church is a unique Alberta heritage site in Calgary.
It is standing already for 112 years
Built in 1904, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church building is the oldest surviving Catholic church in Calgary. Located on Macleod Trail in the historic Midnapore area, the church building and its surrounding cemetery stand as testaments to the pioneer community of Fish Creek and early Alberta religious institutions. The renowned missionary Father Albert Lacombe is believed to have been the first resident priest at the church from 1909 until his death in 1916.
Relatively short time ago
horses slowly dragged carriages past this small church by the way of a narrow road. At that time, people passing by on their business would look at it and cross themselves: such was the custom. Now the road is much wider and tens of thousands of cars dash through it every day, while the small church is still where it used to be.
The people, who have built this church are still in it. This is not hard to believe. But who were these people? Just simple folks in simple clothes, with simple wishes. They found happiness in having bread on the table and pure water, they worked with their children's future in mind, and if their hands and hearts were in sores from work, it was alright – it would heal. This is how it was. Were it not like this, tens of thousands of cars would not dash past this small church every day now.
The fundraiser is the parish of the Church
(charity BN/Registration: 814796918RR0001), who takes care of this historical site which includes the building and cemetery.
This parish has first entered the building 5 years ago.
We have already done a lot:
The interior restoration is complete
The original old bell
has even been reinstalled and fire-damaged woodwork replaced.
There is a new roof
and efforts are underway to repair and replace siding. It has been described as a successful “revival of the building.
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