Why so many rural churches in Saskatchewan?
There are hundreds of rural churches on the prairies. In Saskatchewan, we have hundreds of rural Ukrainian churches - not to mention other denominations. Unfortunately many are no longer in use and the number of churches is dropping due to low attendance, demolition, or arson.
So, why are there so many rural churches on the prairies?
Let’s roll back to when the province was settled. Each farm was smaller, much smaller than present-day farms. Most people had a farm on a quarter section which made for a large rural population. With so many people living on rural properties, they needed churches and schools. This is why we see so many rural churches and one-room schoolhouses.
Over the decades, people moved into larger cities and the small family farms turned into large corporate farms. This led to the abandonment of one-room schoolhouses because kids were bused to nearby towns and the rural churches closed due to lack of attendance. Another factor is that religion has changed, it's not as prominent as it once was. Families used to attend services together. Churches were places to gather, have meals, celebrate and worship. People do not attend church like they used to so these places have been disused. Most rural churches have a once-a-year celebration while others are left abandoned, usually deconsecrated first.
Why are churches deconsecrated?
Deconsecration, also referred to as secularization (a term also used for confiscation of church property), is the removal of a religious blessing from something that had been previously consecrated for religious use. When the head of a church decides to no longer use a church they usually empty the church of all the religious items, this is called deconsecration. The items are usually moved to an active church, storage or sometimes a museum. This is why you will find most rural churches with only the pews and a few small items remaining. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Some churches are still fully intact with all the items but look very much abandoned. The church is likely still consecrated but they had nowhere for the items to go.
Take for example the church we got married in. Our ceremony took place in a rural stone church built in 1904. Empty inside, it hasn't held services since the 1960s. Many people believe it's abandoned but in fact, it's still part of the United church and there is a council that oversees the church. We had to get permission from all the council members to get married there. Of course, we had to bring in our chairs and any other items as it was empty but we did get to see the church archive that the council cares for and use the original pulpit which they removed from the church to protect it (many other items were vandalized).
How do I know if a church is abandoned?
Lets begin with this: most churches are never really truly abandoned. The property the church sits on will always belong to someone. There are usually two options, the church is still consecrated and part of the church, or it's been sold.
If the church building belongs to the church it is usually open to the public. If the building was deconsecrated and the property sold then it will be privately owned and therefore on private property. Laws in Saskatchewan prohibit people from going on private property - you will need to seek permission from the landowner. Sometimes, the building may be sold and moved off-site leaving the land (and usually a graveyard) still owned by the church. In this case, there is usually a marker or a memorial that will mention there was a church on site.
The first step to determining if a church is abandoned is to check the property.
Here are some key things to look for:
- Is the property maintained?
- Things to look for include, is the grass being cared for? Is the building unmaintained? Are there broken windows?
- Check for a power connection and a gas meter - usually if there is no power and gas then the building is not in use. However, in Saskatchewan, some churches have no power/gas and are still used a couple of times a year for services in the summer. If the building has power but no gas it's likely in use, after all, someone has to pay that power bill.
- Check for signs - if it has no trespassing signs then it's likely on private property or the church has had problems with vandals and does not want people on site without permission. Get permission - with churches, it's quite easy.
The second step is to check the door. Sounds simple but if you don't try the door handle you may be missing out. Many rural churches are open to the public and you are more than welcome to visit them, donate/make an offering, and sign the guestbook. Others may be locked up - it's just luck of the draw. This should go without saying but if the door is locked, walk away and seek permission. Respect everything in the church, especially if items are left in place - “take only photos, leave only footprints” and let others enjoy.
Many churches have been vandalized, disrespected, and destroyed. This type of activity usually leads to the church being locked up from the public or sometimes, the church will end up being demolished or even worse burned by arson. So if you find an open church don't ruin it for everyone else by moving, taking, or destroying items inside. Look around, enjoy the piece of history, have a seat in a pew, and take lots of photographs.