Dear Editor
The Battlefords North West Historical Society has become aware of the Town of Battleford’s intention to demolish the historical St. Vital Church in Battleford. In the Battlefords Regional Optimist dated Sept. 6, as reported by Josh Greschner, an article states no decision has yet been made regarding the fate of the old church. It also states a public notice was made July 26, however we were not aware of the notice. Thankfully two residents of Battleford had voiced their objections to the demolition. The Town is fully aware of the BNWH Society’s interest in St. Vital and safeguarding its future is foremost on our agenda.
The Town acquired St. Vital Church in 1983 and a Municipal Heritage property designation application was completed at that time. St. Vital Church was granted and formally recognized as a Municipal Heritage Property on Aug. 19, 1985. There were several Municipal Heritage Property designations within the town in the early 1980s that town council saw fit to preserve for future generations and for historic Battleford.
The great heritage value of St. Vital Church lies in its association with the historical beginning of the town of Battleford. The church provided a focus for community life in early Battleford, whose residents gave generously to it and derived strength, comfort and companionship from it. A Roman Catholic priest, Father Hert, who died from exposure while hunting in 1880, is actually buried under the altar.
The building is a one-storey, stucco clad structure with spire, and was constructed in 1883. The logs for the building were donated by the Finlayson brothers and the land was donated by NWMP officer, Inspector Antrobus on a parcel of land overlooking the North Saskatchewan River. The church is the only building on the original MacDonald survey of the town.
Among the five oldest known churches in Saskatchewan, it is believed to be the oldest Roman Catholic Church in the province. Other character defining elements contributing to the heritage value of St. Vital Church include:
• features that reflect its vernacular church architecture, including its rectangular form, gable roof with centrally placed wooden spire and cross, symmetrically placed windows and a rose window;
• interior elements that create a sense of worship such as the wood paneled ceiling, wainscoting, decorative arched columns and five-metre ceilings;
• post-on-sill (short log) method of construction, which is unique.
We are historic Battleford and disappearance of historic buildings that can never be replaced is certainly a concern. Of greatest concern is that a building that currently holds Heritage Property Designation and has proven to hold historic value since 1985, is now at risk of being demolished after having been protected all these years.
Tammy Donahue Buziak
North West Historical Society
Editor’s Note: Demolishing the church is a recommendation from Town of Battleford administration. It’s not necessarily accurate to say council has the intention to demolish the church.
