A generous helping of native folklore and church history will unfold at an anniversary celebration at Father Lacombe Chapel this Sunday.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the construction of the building, which is now a Provincial Historic Site.
“This is the traditional Sunday when we celebrate the anniversary of the chapel,” said lead interpreter Christina Williamson, who explained that the day’s events are held in conjunction with a St. Albert Parish celebration of the Feast of the Assumption.
The parish is holding an outdoor mass at 11 a.m. while the anniversary event begins at noon. Commemorative ceremonies take place at 2 p.m. and will include a cake cutting with member of Parliament Brent Rathgeber and provincial deputy minister of culture Lois Hawkins.
Local actor Paul Punyi will play the role of Father Lacombe and will visit with people throughout the afternoon.
Each hour there will be tours of the crypt beneath St. Albert Parish Church, where the remains of Father Lacombe were placed, as well as cemetery tours and a tour of the grotto.
Local storyteller Amanda Woodward will tell First Nations stories and historian Matthew Wangler will talk about the history of the Oblates and Grey Nuns. The event will also include a demonstration of native crafts such as beading and quillwork.
The Father Lacombe Chapel is the oldest building that is still standing in Alberta. It was built in May 1861.
“Stories from that time say it took 10 days to complete,” Williamson said, adding that the structure allowed for standing room only and holds about 40 people.
The chapel was the local church for about 10 years. It later saw service as a chicken coop, then a garage for the bishop’s car. It was restored in 1980.
Father Lacombe Chapel is located on St. Vital Ave. For more information phone 780-459-7663.