St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Cemetery & Hall at Alticane, Saskatchewan
The Ukrainian Catholic parish of St. John the Baptist near Alticane has deep roots in the region, with its origins tracing back to early Ukrainian settlers who began arriving in the area around 1907, primarily from Sokal County. In 1916, the community established their first place of worship with a wooden church built through the dedication and volunteer labour of the early parishioners. As the community grew and evolved, so did their need for a larger, more permanent structure.
In 1939, the second and current church was constructed on a new site. The building is a cruciform wood structure featuring a prominent central dome, gable roof, and wood siding. The sanctuary, located on the eastern side, houses the main altar and is flanked by two sacristies. Inside, the church has framed oil prints of holy images, including traditional depictions of the Holy Mother of God and Christ. A large painting of the church’s patron saint, completed in 1940, is prominently displayed behind the altar.
The church includes a choir loft, wooden pews for around 80 people, electrical lighting, and central oil heating. A wooden cross erected in 1946 stands nearby, commemorating the Holy Missions of the parish. The original belfry, lost to a storm in 1942, was replaced by a post bell tower with a gable roof. Across the road from the church lies the parish hall, originally built in 1934. This hall was later sold due to its deteriorating condition and replaced with a newer building in 1976. The parish cemetery is situated just east of the church grounds.
