By Kendra Volk

The refurbishment of the steeple of Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Blumenfeld and District Heritage Site has been completed.

The project was undertaken by Ed-Korn and Sons Contracting Inc. using a 90 foot lift.

The church with its glistening bell tower is like a monument to the pioneers who settled here, can be seen for miles from Highway 21, 16 km south of Leader, SK.

The heritage site committee has been concerned with the deterioration of the steeple for a few years, but the refurbishment project has taken some time, since all of the upkeep of church and cemetery are only through private donations and volunteer fund-raising would be a huge undertaking, especially after replacing  29 windows and installing metal roofing on the church and other buildings.

After a very generous couple contacted the committee stating they will match donations, dollar for dollar up to $25,000, the board, after stunned silence and some tears, quickly gave the go-ahead to proceed with the project.

Blumenfeld has committee members from all of the surrounding parishes including those at Leader, Fox Valley, Lancer, Prelate, Liebenthal,  Richmound, Sceptre, Mendham, Burstall and Maple Creek, all of which provide volunteers for the annual outdoor Blumenfeld Pilgrimage, held the second Sunday in June every year.

Related: Medicine Hat News article – LINK
Related: 2022 pilgrimage held at Blumenfeld historic church and shrine site

Parish volunteers also take turns opening the church for viewing from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays during the summer, including the September long weekend.

(Fund-raising is ongoing. Donations toward the Blumenfeld church and pilgrimage site can be sent to “Blumenfeld Heritage”, Box 104, Leader, SK S0N 1H0.)

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