Pierceland SK Descent of the Holy Ghost (Holy Trinity) Romanian Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1934

Pierceland, Saskatchewan, Descent of the Holy Ghost (Holy Trinity) Romanian Orthodox Church and Cemetery, 1934

Prehistory

The significance of this Romanian Orthodox Temple of the Holy Ghost in Pierceland, Saskatchewan, Canada, lies in its association with the Romanian pioneers who settled in the Beaver River area.

During the 1930s, in the face of harsh drought conditions, many farmers from across southern Saskatchewan left their farms and took up new land in northern Saskatchewan which was less prone to drought.

Foundation of the parish, 1934

In 1934, the parish of the Descent of the Holy Ghost (also called Holy Trinity Church) was established west of the village of Pierceland, in the Beaver River Rural Municipality. This is not far into Saskatchewan from the Alberta border.

There is on the same territory a small cemetery.

The parishioners constructed a one-storey log Temple, which they clad in wood siding. The design of the Temple may be described as utilitarian, in the Romanian fashion. This is seen in its rectangular form and subdued ornamentation, which is evident in the belfry and pointed windows of the nave. The interior is dominated by the iconostas.

Although the days of regular services have ended, the Temple and the cemetery continue to stand as a testimony to the early pioneers of the district. The Temple remains on its original site, with a traditional “budded” Cross on the steeple.

The parish in 1945

In 1945, the parish reported having 21 members. They represented 21 families and 107 persons in all. At that time, the parish was served by the Priest Vasile Toma from Hairy Hill, Alberta. At the end of World War II, there were 7 young men who were serving in the army. Stephen Toma, the son of the Priest Vasile Toma, had been killed at Normandy in France.

The women’s auxiliary was named “Gloria”. In 1951, the president was Joana V Toma. The auxiliary also had members from Marcelin, Saskatchewan.

Priest Vasile Toma

In 1972, the parish was served by the Priest Dumitru Diaconescu.

Priest Dimitru Diaconescu

However, in principle, the parish has generally been served by priests from Saint Mary’s Church in Boian, Alberta.

Heritage site, 1983

On 14 April, 1983, the Temple of the parish was designated as a heritage site in Saskatchewan.

In 2023, the parish is served only occasionally.

The Temple in winter

Holy Trinity Cemetery, 1934

The cemetery is surrounded by a hedgerow. The cemetery is well-kept and well-designed. The orderly arrangement is demonstrated by the fact that the tombstones are in proper rows. It testifies to the loving care of those who built the Temple and continue to maintain the property.

The cemetery is located at the land description site SW4-62-26-W3 in the Rural Municipality of Beaver River.

The Temple with the cemetery, 2 views

Particular parish information

This parish is a part of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada. The bishop is Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar Feast-day of this parish is the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost, the Most Holy Trinity).

In 2023, the pastor of the parish is the Protopop Mircea Panciuk.

Address :

Descent of the Holy Ghost Romanian Orthodox Church

Beaver River RM #622

Box 218

Pierceland, Saskatchewan

S0M 2K0

Directions :

The Temple and cemetery are located within the Rural Municipality of Beaver River #622, along Highway #55, approximately 5 km (3 mi) west of the Village of Pierceland.

From Regina, the parish is 660 km (410 mi) to the northwest (6 hours and 25 minutes), and from Saskatoon, 400 km (248 mi) to the northwest (4 hours). From Edmonton, Alberta, the parish is 310 km (193 mi) to the northeast (3 hours and 25 minutes).

From Regina, drive north on Highway #11 to Saskatoon, and follow the by-pass towards Highway #16 west. From Saskatoon, drive north and west on Highway #16 (Yellowhead) as far as North Battleford. Then follow Highway #4 on the right to the north, past Meadow Lake. Veer to the left (west) after the junction with Highway #55. Remain on Highway #55 until the junction with Highway #21. Continue 5 km farther to the west. (Pierceland is to the north of the junction).

From Edmonton, Alberta, drive eastwards on Manning Drive NW and Highway AB #28 East, past Smoky Lake and other towns and villages until Highway AB #881 in Mallaig. At Highway AB #660, turn left (north), and drive to Fort Kent. Turn right (east) on Highway AB #28, and drive eastwards and past the Beaver River Crossing. Soon afterwards, at Highway AB #55, turn right (east), and drive eastwards into Saskatchewan until Highway SK #21 North. Turn left (north). There are signs for Pierceland. In approaching the town, the Temple and cemetery will be on Highway #55, before arriving at the town.

Protopop Mircea Panciuk

11024-165 Avenue NW

Edmonton, Alberta

T5X 1X9

Telephone : 780-456-7737

E-mail : mpanciuk@yahoo.com

Holy Ghost/Holy Trinity Temple

References

Bugea, Eleanor, “Romanians in Canada” (Michigan : Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, 2009). ISBN : 978-1-929200-14-6.

Sandulescu, Archpriest George, "Saskatchewan's Romanian Orthodox Communities Including Dysart, Wood Mountain, Kayville, Assiniboia, Pierceland, Regina" article listed in "SGS (Saskatchewan Genealogical Society) Bulletin, vol. 19, no. 1, 1988" p. 81.

Additional information :

Anderson, Alan, "Ethnic Block Settlements in Saskatchewan"

Pacurariu, Mircea, ‘Romanian Christianity’ in “The Blackwell Companion to Eastern Christianity” (Oxford : John Wiley & Sons, 2007). ISBN 10 : 0631234233 ; ISBN 13 : 9780631234234.

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Diocesan listing

Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada Web-site

Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of the USA web-site

Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas web-site

Wikipedia article about the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas

Orthodoxwiki article about the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of America and Canada

Romanian Orthodox Church web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Romania

Patriarch Miron (Cristea)

Patriarch Nicodim (Munteanu)

Patriarch Justinian (Marina)

Patriarch Justin (Moisescu)