Thousands of motorists drive by St. Paul’s Anglican Church each day, but few notice the tiny, 129-year-old, house of worship situated in the 14600 block of Macleod Trail S.E..
The chapel, which has a seating capacity of 49 people, has been a fixture in southeast Calgary since 1885. Thanks in part to the efforts of a dedicated group of Calgarians, St. Paul’s will remain intact for the foreseeable future.
Descendants of the original parishioners, including Linnea Turnquist, have spent the last two years planning and raising funds to preserve, maintain and restore the building.
“When you have the opportunity to sit here and look around and know that my great, great grandfather and mother were in this church and all of my family that followed after them,” said Turnquist, “that's a very special feeling that I don't want to have lost.”
The new metal steeple is scheduled to be erected in early March which will replace the current wood version. Once plywood, shingles, and trim are added to the metal frame, the steeple will weigh approximately 2,000 lbs. and replicate the chapel’s appearance of 1885. The church’s original weathervane will be fastened atop the steeple.
Regular Sunday masses ended at the chapel in the 1990’s but the building continues to host small weddings and special events.
For more information, visit Historic St. Paul’s Anglican Church.
With files from CTV's Kevin Fleming
