This museum in Oak Lake was established in 2001, hosted in two former churches: St. David’s United Church, which operated from 1892 to 2001 at a site several miles north of town, and St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church. Visitors wishing to view the museum should contact Sandra Harris (204-851-1831).
The first Roman Catholics arrived in the Oak Lake area in the early 1870s and a small church was located near the Oak Lake Beach. Initially, the largely Metis community was served by itinerant priests. Father Bernier built a church at the site of what would later become the Town of Oak Lake. He relocated part of the tiny “Colony Church” and, under his guidance, an addition was made by Joseph Gamache, a local carpenter. Then, in 1887, Father Joseph Athanase became the first resident priest and, two years later, St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church was established. After Father J. G. Bouillon arrived in 1902, the church was expanded to its present size and a rectory was built. The church was formally closed in 2001.
St. David’s United Church at the Oak Lake and District Museum (September 2011)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
St. David’s United Church at the Oak Lake and District Museum (November 2017)
Source: George Penner
St. Athanasius Roman Catholic Church at the Oak Lake Museum (September 2011)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
Oak Lake Museum (May 2022)
Source: Rose KuzinaSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.76710, W100.62291
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: St. David’s United Church Monument (RM of Wallace-Woodworth)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: St. Alban’s Anglican Church (Assiniboine Street, Oak Lake, RM of Sifton)
We thank George Penner and Rose Kuzina for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 27 June 2023
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