Constructed in 1914 in northwest Yorkton, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help (St. Mary's) church is a grand steel, concrete, and brick structure in the style of a domed Byzantine cruciform basilica. Its central dome and vaulted roof are covered in silver-painted copper sheeting.
In 1954–55, the eastern wing was extended, adding a new entrance with a vestibule and choir loft, complementing the original south entrance. A matching gallery was added to the north wing to preserve symmetry and increase seating. The sanctuary, located at the intersection of the arms, features a 1964 icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help above the altar. A new altar with 28 carved saint figures was installed in 1965.
The 55-foot central dome, supported by four arcades and pilasters, dominates the sanctuary. From 1939 to 1941, artist Stepan Meush decorated the church using oil-based fresco and canvas techniques. The dome’s artwork, “Proclamation of the Holy Mother of God in Heaven,” features Mary surrounded by 157 angels, with the Holy Spirit above and an inscription praising Mary as Protector and Perpetual Help. The drum of the dome includes 24 windows and is ringed by eight six-winged seraphim.
Additional decorations include medallions of 12 prophets on the main arcade and the four Evangelists on the pendentives, painted in 1920.
The church seats about 700, with electric lighting, gas heating, and plumbing. Nearby features include a 1939 metal cross commemorating 950 years of Christianity in Ukraine and a Lourdes grotto in the monastery gardens.
The surrounding complex, known as the Yorkton Mission, includes the Redemptorist Fathers’ Monastery, the Redeemer’s Voice Printing Press, Sacred Heart Academy, a former college, and a parish hall.
View exploration of the Monastery HERE
