Looking after Winnipeg’s history and heritage

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/07/2019 (2653 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When Bill Bryson, a great advocate for historic places, penned his travel book, The Road to Little Dribbling, about Great Britain he ended it with these words in reference to the famous countryside:

“It is the world’s largest park, its most perfect accidental garden. I think it may be the British nation’s most glorious achievement. All we have to do is look after it. I hope that’s not too much to ask.”

The same could be said of Canada’s countryside, of our cities and towns, our green spaces and our historic places.

One such historic structure in the community of Old Kildonan is the historic Kildonan Church built in 1852. A tiny, modest, even plain looking church, it is hardly noticeable to the hundreds of drivers who pass by on Main Street.

But this simple church bears the distinction of being the first Presbyterian church in Western Canada, according to the Manitoba Historical Society. The MHS also says it is a provincially and a municipally designated historic site — and it has been slowly deteriorating.

Set back from Main Street on John Black Avenue, the church is surrounded by a historic cemetery containing graves of the Lord Selkirk settlers and other early pioneers.

Canada’s Historic Places website says it is the second-oldest standing church in Winnipeg. It also says it is “one of the few remaining tangible connections” to the early Selkirk settlers, a major part of our Canadian history.”

The tiny church, built by stonemason Duncan McRae and modelled after the parish churches of Scotland, is in need of restoration and has not been used as a church since 1988. In 2020, Manitoba’s 150th anniversary, it will be 168 years old.

“Currently our board of directors is engaged in a fundraising effort to complete the restoration and building envelope upgrade” on some of the walls, said George Fraser, executive director of the Historic Kildonan Church and Cemetery.

Fraser also said “the estimated cost of the next phase will be approximately $265,000. The board will be approaching governments, foundations and the public for support.” 

Last month, at the site of the old Kildonan Church, provincial Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced a $15 million investment to create the Heritage Resources Fund designed to protect historic sites.But much money is needed. 

“The final phase will likely exceed $1.5 million,” Fraser said. “The board and its supporters want as much public access as possible (to the church), together with capturing the history of the role of the Selkirk settlers,” he added.

To be involved in saving local history, contact Fraser at kpcadmin@mymts.net 

“Suggestions for future use are welcome,” he said.

Cheryl Girard is a community correspondent for West Kildonan. You can contact her at girard.cheryl@gmail.com

Cheryl Girard
West Kildonan community correspondent

Cheryl Girard was a community correspondent for West Kildonan.

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