Historic Sites of Manitoba: Opawaka Methodist Church / Opawaka United Church (RM of Thompson)

Beginning in 1883, church services in this area of the Rural Municipality of Thompson were held in settlers’ homes and then in Mound School until 1909, when a frame building was constructed across from the school and called Opawaka Methodist Church. Ministers, beginning with W. R. Hughes, travelled from Thornhill, Altamont, Darlingford, and finally Miami to serve the district. In 1925, with church union, Opawaka Methodist Church became Opawaka United Church. The last services were held in 1961 after which residents attended Miami United Church. The former church building appears to have been converted for use as storage space, with a large opening at the east end where the altar once stood. Pressed tin panels still cover the inside ceiling.

The former Opawaka United Church building (April 2011) Source: Gordon Goldsborough The former Opawaka United Church building (August 2016) Source: Desiree Rolfe The former Opawaka United Church building (October 2018) Source: Rose Kuzina The former Opawaka United Church building (January 2021) Source: George Penner Interior of the former Opawaka United Church building (August 2016) Source: Desiree Rolfe Ceiling of the former Opawaka United Church building (October 2018) Source: Rose Kuzina Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.32502, W98.34244 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Mound School / Opawaka School No. 403 (RM of Thompson)

Sources:

We thank Desiree Rolfe, Rose Kuzina, and George Penner for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 21 May 2022

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