William J. Anhorn and David J. Carter collaborated on new book about St. Margaret's church in Cypress Hills. (Image From Facebook/William J. Anhorn)

By Brian Konrad

Tiny church in Cypress Hills the focus of new history booklet

May 24, 2023 | 12:26 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Two local historians have collaborated on a new booklet about the history of St. Margaret’s Church in the Cypress Hills.

William J. Anhorn and Rev. David J. Carter launched the sale of the book at the farmers’ market at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede last weekend.

The booklet details the history of the little church in the Cypress Hills, as well as other events in the region.

Carter, who owns the property at the end of the Eagle Butte Road, says this booklet was a labour of love.

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“It probably started back about 1976, when by accident, I ended up owning this property in the Cypress Hills,” says Carter.

The church had been abandoned prior to Carter acquiring the property, and he credits “a great group of volunteers” with helping to resurrect the little church.

St. Margaret’s was built in 1908, providing a place of worship for services that had been held in the Cypress Hills since 1898.

The booklet includes information on settlement in the Cypress Hills and the small Mounted Police Post that operated from 1898 to 1917.

Carter says the doors to St Margaret’s are always open, and welcomes virtual visitors online at djcarter.ca.

The booklet will be on sale every Saturday at the farmers’ market in Medicine Hat.