St. Michael’s of Archangels Roman Catholic Church was built at Meleb by Polish residents of the area in 1917-18 on a lot donated by Stefan and Pauline Melnyk. Its name was based on that of its chief builder, Michael Gottfried and the many other Michaels among the pioneers. Archbishop Sinnott consecrated it and celebrated the first Mass on 29 September 1918. Services were held in Latin and Polish for parishioners from the Meleb, Fraserwood, Malonton, Rembrandt, and Silver areas until the church closed in the early 1960s due to a decline in population. In 1989, the church was transferred by Archbishop Exner of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg to the LGD of Armstrong. It was declared a municipal historic site on 10 October 1989. A church heritage committee was struck to restore and preserve the building with the help of grants and donations of cash, volunteer labour, machinery, and materials. On 30 September 1990, a Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated in the newly restored church.
A plaque on the side of the church was dedicated on 29 September 1991 in memory of Polish settlers of the district.
St. Michael’s of Archangels Roman Catholic Church (August 2010)
Source: Gordon Goldsborough
Aerial view of St. Michael’s of Archangels Roman Catholic Church (May 2020)
Source: George Penner
St. Michael’s of Archangels Roman Catholic Church (July 2023)
Source: Glen Toews
St. Michael’s of Archangels Roman Catholic Church (July 2023)
Source: Glen Toews
St. Michael’s of Archangels Roman Catholic Church commemorative plaque (July 2023)
Source: Glen ToewsSite Coordinates (lat/long): N50.72897, W97.21951
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Municipally Designated Historic Sites
St. Michael's of Archangels Roman Catholic Church, Manitoba Historic Resources Branch.
We thank George Penner and Glen Toews for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 22 July 2023
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