1

Assiniboia St Paul's United Church sign
26 October 2005
Assiniboia,Saskatchewan

2

Chapter Seven
United Church of Canada in South Central Saskatchewan

This chapter will cover several denominations that united to become The United Church of Canada. This union includes Methodists, Congregationalists, and Presbyterians; although not all congregations of the latter did. This union was formed on June 10, 1925.

3

Readlyn
10 March 2006
Readlyn, Saskatchewan

4

Question

I heard that in the early years that the only form of transportation for the traveling minister was by horses. Do you know any story about this?

Answer

Yes, that was the only way settlers got around, no one could afford vehicles and anyway there were no suitable road to travel on. One minister, Reverend W. J. Gourley of the Readlyn United Church, established rodeos in the Verwood area and he got the name "Cowboy Minister". His work did 'lasso' many people into church work! In other areas such a minister was called 'saddlebag' preacher.

5

Reverend Rondeau and family
1911
Southern Saskatchewan

6

The following churches will list their original denominations - so be aware that they became United at about the same time in the mid and late 1920's. The Home Mission Board headquarters' of the United Church is in Toronto.

The Board of French Evangelization of the city of Montreal sent Reverend Rondeau to work in this territory until 1911. Then he was appointed to work among the Anglo- Saxon settlers of this area.

Reverend Rondeau began his work from 5k (3 miles) east of Woodrow and from this point covered the territory, which extended approximately 120k (75 miles) north to south and some 144k (90 miles) from east to west. A field missionary of 9600 sq. km(6000 sq. miles).

7

Assiniboia St Andrews Presbyterian
1920
Assiniboia,Saskatchewan

8

Assiniboia St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

An organizational meeting was held in the Olympic Theatre in Assiniboia. For four months the services were held in the theatre and from 1913 until 1920 in the Masonic Temple. The present church edifice was completed and dedicated in 1920.

A house was purchased for a manse and moved near the church. On Sunday April 21, 1963, they held their 50th Anniversary Service. At this time the attendance went down as the young folk began moving away, creating a financial burden. The last service was in 1972. Many of the congregation now attends services at St. Paul's United Church in Assiniboia.

The congregation passed a resolution that the real estate and holdings be turned over to the town to serve as a Museum. In 1992 the building became a meeting place for teenagers and is now known as 'Teen Power Station.'

This former church building has been designated as a Heritage Site.

9

Assiniboia St. Paul's United Church Earlier Years
1954
Assiniboia,Saskatchewan

10

Assiniboia St. Paul's United Church Earlier Years

After the Union in 1925, Rev. G. Glover was St. Paul's first minister. The first church was on 3rd Avenue East. The church was moved to Fifth Avenue facing north, in the present manse back yard. This building was later sold and moved to become a plumbing and an upholstery shop, then finally, moved to a farm.

Building plans were made to have a new church on Centre Street. In 1928 church services were held in the theatre while a building program began. The construction ceased due to the Depression and a roof was installed over the basement.

In 1946 the Willows charge was welcomed into the membership of St. Paul's.

A new manse was built in 1952

11

Assiniboia St. Paul's United Church Present Day
2005
Assiniboia,Saskatchewan

12

Assiniboia St. Paul's United Church Present Day

In 1954 construction was completed and dedication took place. A wing was added in 1964 with renovations taking place when necessary to present time.

13

Bateman United Church
1926
Bateman, Saskatchewan

14

Bateman United Church

From 1911-1915 services were conducted by students preaching at Bateman, St Boswells, and Rouen schools. Clergyman's salary in 1916 was $1,000.00.

In 1919 the CNR rail line was extended west from Gravelbourg and a basement for the church was then built at Bateman.

May 26th the elected trustees made application for a loan to build a church and a manse. In 1926 a fine brick church was built and dedicated September 19, 1926. The church itself cost $8,338.82 in material. A good portion of the loan was retired about 1946.

In the late 1940s the minister moved to Gravelbourg and the charge was changed to Bateman, Gravelbourg, and Palmer. The church closed about 1985.