All Saints Anglican Church
All Saints Anglican Church, situated on SW 14-83-13-W6M, was declared a Municipal Historic Resource in 2009. The Church is the only consecrated building in the community and has been available to everyone for worship services, baptism, weddings and funerals for 80 years. The church was an integral part of an area that is geographically isolated by rivers on all sides and was a social focal point for three communities; Cherry Pont, Bear Canyon and Clayhurst.
The All Saints Anglican Church is one of the oldest extant churches in the county. Anglican missionaries began working in the area in the early 1930s, shortly after the first settles arrived. Local volunteers began constructing the building in and the first service was held in the unfinished building on August 25, 1937. The church was completed over the next year and dedicated the following September. Since that time, the church has been an important gathering place in a rural community that is geographically isolated by rivers. The Anglican missionaries, or van workers as they were known, provided Sunday School Caravan Services for the area and once the Church was built stayed in the Mission House throughout the year. In addition to attending to the spiritual needs of the areas residents many of them were capable practical nurses and provided these services as well. For nearly 60 years, local residents attended weekly services here and several generations have celebrated and observed baptisms, conformations, marriages and funerals. During the 1930s, the church was a shining star in the darkness, bringing people together in spite of their differences. All Saints continues to play an important part because it is still available for weddings, baptisms, confirmations and funerals.
The All Saints Anglican Church architecture incorporates gothic revival features such as the pointed arch windows and vaulted sanctuary that is separated from the nave by a railing. The original handmade box for the Chalice and Communion set is still used and the pews are original and hand hewn.
Key elements that define the heritage character of the All Saints Anglican Church.
Square timber construction;
Nailed frame;
Front porch entry
Rear wing
Bell tower
Pointed arched windows
Cross on top of bell tower
Vaulted sanctuary
Sources:
- “Always a River to Cross” Published by Silver & Gold History Committee, Bear Canyon Alberta T0H 0B0 First printing 1981; Page 45
- Bylaw No. 125-09 Statement of Siginificance