St Norbert’s

The Team has documented our fair share of churches, every last one of them special and beautiful to us in their own unique way. As subjects go, they’re one of our most favourite and we get giddy photographing and writing about them. The one seen today, even among all the amazing places of worship we’ve chronicled, stands out. Here at a country crossroads, the plains stretching off to eternity in every direction, something simply stunning.

This is St Norbert’s Church (sometimes St Norbert’s Rosenheim Church), under fine prairie skies and we’d be honoured if you join as we wander about taking it in.

First, where are we? If you mean in mindset, somewhere where the crazy misfits hang out. But in body, we’re in far Eastern Alberta, MD of Provost, almost touching on the Saskatchewan Border. We get some spill-over from the “land of living skies”, a special bonus. Photographers in this part of the world have it so easy!

The building dates from the period 1922-1926 (took a while!) and was constructed by German Immigrants. most by way of the US, who settled in the area staring about 1907-ish. It replaced an earlier much smaller wood-framed church, same name, that stood here since about 1908. The choice of brick for this one is a bit unusual and this would have made it expensive and of course, time consuming to construct. But what an amazing thing that came of it, stunning, impressive and expertly built (Vince Offer: “you know the Germans always make good stuff”).

St Norbert’s was Roman Catholic in denomination. The district in which it’s located is called Rosenheim (a town in the “old country”), so sometimes that is tagged onto the name. And in some papers we found the church goes by that name alone. Rosenheim, a fine farming area, was once home to over one hundred families. Today, it’s a handful. The church in the old days, it’s said, was packed every service.

In awe on seeing St Norbert’s.

The building remained in use up until the late 1960s when a combination of shrinking congregation and the construction of new Catholic Church in nearby Provost (the largest community in the area), forced its abandonment. Happily the building was kept, even if for a time it stood empty.

In the late 1970s St Norbert’s was historically recognized and since then has been owned by a preservation group who’s responsible for its upkeep. And it’s in amazingly good shape. Kudos! While it’s been a long while since regular services have been held here, from time to time it’s used for funerals, weddings (one in the same to some) and special events.

It’s also opened for the occasional photography group. In fact, we were supposed to meet someone to let us inside, but they had to cancel last minute. Not a worry, it happens. Now we have a reason to return. The inside is as stunning as the exterior, we understand, and well appointed. And there’s stained glass, which we so LOVE to photograph.

St Norbert’s is built in the Baroque Revival Style, typified by bold design elements, sweeping curves and arches, rich colours and a powerful presence. Buildings in this style stand out! Buttresses are also a common feature and on churches, so is a prominent spire.

The Baroque Revival is (well was) commonly used for places of worship. At least in some parts of the world. Here, they’re rare. And for rural churches across the plains, pretty much unheard of. Some papers suggest it’s Neo-Gothic in design which to us laypeople at least, is similar in look. It may indeed be a blend of the two – disclaimer: I’m no architect but sometimes pretend, badly, to be one on this here website.

At the crossroads, sell your soul or be met with salvation?

The building is made up of approximately 40,000 bricks (and 600 bags of cement) and was said to cost some $20000. It’s approximately 37 metres long, 13 wide and 22 to the top of the spire. Original plans was to have to the latter tower to almost 30 metres but was changed mid-construction for some reason. Perhaps a good thing, as it may have given an unbalanced look. The structure faces directly south. A wall of trees acts as a windbreak. All around are farmer’s fields as far as one can see.

St Norbert’s has such a presence that it can be seen from quite some distance away. It was in view long before we arrived. “We keep driving yet we get no closer!”

The Cemetery out back is called Rosenheim. Founded in 1909, it’s still in use (and like the church well maintained), with over one hundred and sixty people interred there. Of course German names abound. As is usual, there’s an assortment of people who lived a long life and those struck down way too early. Headstones are mostly modest in design. Graves face west, and on our visit were amazingly lit by the setting sun. Oh, the skies, so good for us this day.

Saint Norbert, also Norbert of Xanten or Norbert Gennep, some thousand years ago in Germany was a well renowned Bishop in the Catholic Church.

As often happens Connie and I go our separate ways. Then it strikes me, wait, where is she? “Connie”, I shout, “you out there?” “Yes” comes the faint response. Oh, there see it – a dot on the horizon. We really do explore our environments.

We had hoped to stay till after dark to shoot St Norbert’s with some stars (and maybe auroras – I think they were fairly active then) but other obligations forced us to leave. Next time, I promise.

We’re on the Eastern Alberta plains.

On the way back to our crash pad for the night, an old truck being worked on. We stop for them! This one’s a White (circa late 1950s/early 1960s) in what appears to be the early stages of some kind of restoration. Pod mounted lights, I think, are a modification (back then, they were fender mounted).

The guitar photo is a silly homage to Robert Johnson who in legend famously sold his soul at the crossroads and went on to become a Blue’s Legend. Connie considers, but instead chooses salvation. Not even a deal with the devil could help with her playing. Now what with that “Forgotten BC” Bunnyhug she’s wearing?

Full disclosure: in some photos we “shopped” out power lines. Not a fan of digital manipulation, but they were sorta in the way.

Churches of all kinds…
Zion Lutheran Church – likely gone soon.
St Paul’s Anglican – Calgary’s oldest.
Hilhurst United Church – impressive!
Notre Dam de Savoie Church – falling down and forgotten.

If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!

Date: September, 2017.
Location: MD of Provost.
Article references (and thanks): HistoricPlaces.ca Canada’s Historic Places, Hermis.Alberta.ca Alberta Register of Historic Places, Book – Early Furrows, A Story of Our Early Pioneers in Provost, Hayter, Bodo, Alberta and Surrounding Districts.
Please show St Norbert’s Church and Rosenheim Cemetery respect if you visit.

The building dates back to the 1920s.

A country church not made of wood.

Blessed to have those wonderful skies.

Signs direct pipeline crews.

Regular services are no longer held here.

Out back, Rosenheim Cemetery.

Making acquaintances with Hubert Ruth.

Some amazing sunsets out this way.

Connie takes a stroll…

We made arrangements to go inside. But…

“You out there?”

Beautiful building, but that sunset was icing on the cake.

Connie gets lost…but doesn’t mind.

This is the second church here.

So stately.

Rosenheim Cemetery goes back to 1909.

Lots of German names here.

There’s some one hundred and sixty souls buried at Rosenheim.

The small details…

Jacob and Elizabeth Schultz.

Someone to watch over…

It’s so peaceful and serene here, but sadly we have to go.

On last look – such an amazing structure.

Next time we stay after dark.

A little bit later, this old truck.