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The Solsgirth Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church was the former Burdette School, which was situated along the former Highway #4. The church's present site was the location of Solsgirth's first school. With volunteer labour the building was remodelled and was opened for use in 1950. The final coating was completed by Steve Maydaniuk of Rossburn, Manitoba. The shingles and outside work were done by Bert Dickson of Solsgirth, Manitoba. The "dome" was hand constructed by Mike Swistun of Oakburn, Manitoba.The church committee was formed in 1950 with John Choptuik as President, Secretary - Treasurer Bill Yaskiw and Secretary was Ann (John) Zimmerman. There were around twenty families at that time and a few more joined later.
First membership fee was $5.00. The hydro bills were $1.00/month, heating oil cost was $9.43 and insurance was $28.50. Church collections varied from $4.45 to $40.15.
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Solsgirth Ukrainian Catholic Church2003
Solsgirth, Manitoba
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The Parish Priests are as follows:Father J. Fornalychuk - 1950 - 1952
Father Romanyshyn - 1953- 1963
Father Zakrewski - 1963 - 1966
Father Slabjy - 1966 - 1967
Father Steven Boris - 1967- 1982
Father Muzychka - 1983
Father Vateha - 1984 - 1987
Father John Lehky - 1987 - 1989
Father Mykola Kosarchyn - 1989 - 1992
Father Ron Martinouk - 1993 - 1994
Father John Lehky - 1994 - 2002
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In the spring of 1994, we were again joined with the Rossburn Parish under Father John Lehky, who was also in charge of nine other churches. During these years we held a church service every two months and during the last two years only one service on Green Holidays; Pentecost. Our final service was held on June 16, 2002.5
Jim Herchak and Helen Du16 July 1951
Solsgirth, Manitoba
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Helen and Jim Herchak were the first couple married at Solsgirth Church."Jim and I met in Shoal Lake when I was working for Molly Jenkins. I worked for her four years doing farm work. Jim lived near her. He asked me to a Saturday night dance in Shoal Lake and I accepted. We dated a year before we got married. Jim proposed while we were walking back to Molly's after a dance and he gave me a ring. We planned our wedding for a year.
The first reception was held by my parents in Solsgirth Memorial Hall with 300 people attending. The next evening was Jim's doing and we had another reception in Shoal Lake with another 300 people. We had presentation at both receptions and made not too bad, but not like they do now." (Helen Herchak)
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James and Helen Herchak were married July 16, 1951 by Father Fornalychuk in the Solsgirth Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church. Helen was 21 years old and Jim was 27.8
Jim and Helen together with their bridal party16 July 1951
Solsgirth, Manitoba
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The bridal party was close friends and family. Bridesmaids from left to right; Mary Tysarski-White, Evelyn Raaen, Eileen Dutkywich-MazurFlowergirls; Betty Long-Schielf, Gwen Davis
Groomsmen; Mike Tysarski, Mike Herchak and Charlie Zimmerman
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Jim and Helen on their honeymoon.1951
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"After our wedding we went to Vancouver for a honeymoon. We went fishing and site seeing. We went for two weeks altogether. We spent our time at a motel and when we arrived back we lived in Shoal Lake on the farm with Jim's family for six months. We went to work in a bush camp and lived with Jim's family for a little while. Then moved to Solsgirth on the farm at the Nickel Stone House. We lived there a few months and then moved to Calgary for 26 years and then back to Rossburn where we have lived over 21 years. We celebrated our 50th anniversary in July 2001. We have 5 children. Three daugthers and two sons. We lost a son at the age of 31 years in a drowning accident. He is buried at the Scared Heart of Jesus Cemetry in Rossburn, Manitoba." (Helen Herchak)12
Phyllis Choptuik (far right) receiving Catechism Certificate.1951
Solsgirth, Manitoba
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Phyllis Choptuik began attending Solsgirth Ukrainian Catholic Church at an early age. This photo was taken in 1951 when Phyllis took her First Holy Communion.14
Dave and Phyllis Twerden signing wedding register.8 August 1964
Solsgirth, Manitoba
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