St.Patricks was made available for tours this weekend. (CHAT File Photo)

By Adrian St.Onge

IN THE COMMUNITY

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

Jun 4, 2024 | 1:08 AM

Medicine Hat came together this weekend to celebrate the community at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church.

In February of 1990, St. Patrick’s church was landmarked by the federal government as a National Historical Site.

This weekend, the church was showcased, giving Hatters the opportunity to tour the building.

Tour guide Stan Aberle said he’s done dozens of tours over the years, but every time, there’s something new that he sees.

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

LIVE UPDATES

Road construction, detours and traffic in Medicine Hat

1h ago

Saamis Archaeological Site will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their provincial designation

13h ago

Medicine Hat Habitat for Humanity chapter gets approval of land sale for small housing project

15h ago

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.