St. Patrick’s church celebrates its history at community fair

“I find that every time I do a tour, I see something different in my own church,” Aberle said.

Whether it’s the altar, whether it’s the church proper, whether it’s the steeple or the bells. Every time I see something different and I probably never share the same information in any two tours.”

The building was originally constructed on the corner of Third Street and Fifth Avenue with the first mass being held in 1886.

It was later rebuilt to accomodate a larger parish in it’s current location off of Second Avenue in 1912 and was made entirely of reinforced concrete.

Three bells were cast in France and later blessed, with installation occurring in 1914.

Aberle said that the bell tower is available on the tour and hopes the community decides to visit to admire the art and infrastructure, regardless of religious affiliations.

“Come in and see it. You’ll be amazed by the structure because it’s one of a kind,” Aberle said.

“It’s one of the first buildings in Medicine Hat that was of this capacity and not only did they build the church, they also built St. Theresa’s Academy, St. Louis School and St. Joseph’s home at the same time,” he said.

St. Patrick’s is engrained in the city’s historic, Aberle said.

“All of these structures are so neat to see, even if you don’t attend the regular mass celebrations. It’s a good building to visit and learn about your own community,” Aberle said.

“It’s no different from any other business of any kind that’s been here for a long time. It’s really something to be able to say ‘I’ve seen the bell tower’.”

St. Patricks is also home to the last station of the cross made by James Marshall, finishing the stations that begins in St. Joseph’s Park.

Those who are looking to visit or tour the church should reach out to St. Patrick’s on its Facebook page.

by Adrian St.Onge

St. Patrick’s church celebrates its history at community fair

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