Photographs | Churches
Work towards founding a Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Elk Point began early in 1945 on the initiative of Fr. W. Senishen. The need to have an Orthodox Church in the community became especially apparent in the spring of that year, when Fr. Senishen officiated a wedding at the old United Church, assisted by its minister, Rev. Pringle. Subsequently, several Divine Liturgies were celebrated at the Andrishak Hall, after which the Orthodox faithful of Elk Point utilized the Fred Shpeley Building for services. Following a 1946 liturgy in the latter, an organizational meeting was held that elected an executive headed by Willliam Andrishak. Two years later, it was decided to adopt St. Volodymyr as the patron of the newly formed congregation. In the meantime, members had already begun raising the money required to build a church and establish a cemetery.
Two lots were originally bought for this purpose behind Markstead’s garage. In the winter of 1949, volunteers went out into some bush belonging to a member, J. Borutsky, to harvest timber for the construction of a sanctuary. However, around the same time, the congregation decided that the land that they had acquired was not really suited for its intended use. Fortunately, W. Andrishak, stepped forward to generously donate the property that eventually became the location of St. Vladimir’s Church. This new site was blessed in 1950 by Rev. Wasyl Boychuk, construction of the sanctuary proceeding in stages over the course of several years, with the pace essentially being determined by the availability of funds.
Approximately forty families were members of the congregation when work began on the church. In these early years, priests usually traveled by train to provide services for Elk Point. Such a trip from Glendon required an overnight stay en-route to make the necessary connections. For their services clergymen were paid whatever money was contributed on the collection plate, earning an amount that typically came to about $7.00 after they had covered their expenses.
In 1950 a basement was dug by J. Zacharuk with a tractor, frezno, and volunteers using picks and shovels. Next, the foundation was partially poured, and by 1952 walls were ready to be erected by a team of church members working under the supervision of J. Borutsky. At this time, a roof was also placed on the structure, but further work was then suspended for two years.
Some progress was made in 1955 when the exterior was stuccoed, and a few services were held during the summer months in the partly completed sanctuary. However, in 1956 and 1957 the as yet undecorated church was leased to the County of St. Paul for use as a classroom, while money continued to be raised to properly finish the interior. This was largely accomplished in 1958, when a second floor was laid, plasterboard was put on the walls, and an altar and pews were built. Fixtures and religious pictures donated by members were also installed in the church, which had been painted by B. Eaton with the help of volunteers.
In 1959 the congregation determined that it was not possible to have a cemetery on the church property, and therefore obtained land for this purpose at another location, donated by Mr. and Mrs. F. Shewchuk. Two years later, the cornerstone of St. Vladimir’s was blessed during an Episcopal visitation by Bishop Andrew, who celebrated a hierarchical liturgy with Frs. Greschuk and Dorosh. In 1964, Elk Point parishioners contributed toward the purchase of a manse in Bonnyville, which was paid off in just six months’ time with donations and proceeds from bingos. A short while later, St. Vladimir’s members also participated in a successful drive to establish the Kiev-Ski-Hi church camp at Moose Lake. A popular summer retreat, the camp soon became the focus of seasonal cultural, educational, and spiritual programs for young people, in addition to serving as a recreational facility for the entire Ukrainian Orthodox community of east central Alberta.
Over the years, the St. Vladimir’s congregation has been involved in a wide variety of projects and causes. In 1967 its members participated in the formation of a joint Ukrainian Catholic and Orthodox all-male Centennial choir, and donated money towards the construction of the Elk Point Elk’s Hall. Besides fulfilling its Christian mission, the church has also been active in promoting Ukrainian culture, providing language instruction, offering singing courses and other educational classes.
In the summer of 1986, the church underwent extensive renovations, when three domes that had previously graced the old St. Vladimir’s church in Calgary were salvaged and installed after being renovated atop its namesake in Elk Point. The new domes were then blessed on 26 September of the same year by Bishop John on his first visitation to Elk Point, accompanied by Fr. A. Shcherban and the 40-voice All-Edmonton Millennium Choir. Along with the domes, Bishop John also blessed a new cross and candleholders that had been donated by the Sharuga family in memory of a long-time member, Anna Yacena.
GPS Co-ordinates: 53.585768,-113.526971
Affiliation: Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada
