Republished with permission of the The Battlefords News-Optimist (Full Article)
Originally published on June 27, 2023.
by Elaine Woloshyn with contributions by Audrey Mushtaler (background/history, photo credits)
MAYFAIR — Whitkow and Mayfair districts just missed the downpour of rain and hail this past Sunday. A strip in between Highways 376 and 40 received a blasting and it went through to Prince Albert. In some places damage was extensive.
Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Ascension of Our Lord hosting of Praznyk June 10 was a huge success. The weather was perfect, sunny with a nice breeze. More than 50 parishioners attended. Some travelling from as far away as Edmonton — Ed and Joanne Kells (Joanne grew up in Redfield), Vera Horn and Sylvia Rodrique (both daughters of Irene Polichuk, also raised near Whitkow.) and Boris Ewanchuk (who also grew up in Whitkow)
From Saskatoon were Melanie Demyon and many members of Germaine Muzyka’s family. The day started with divine liturgy, then everyone enjoyed a potluck before heading to four local cemeteries — Kindrachuk, Glasslake, Demyon and the original site of the Whitkow Catholic Church.
Jim Tkatchuk, Audrey Mushtaler and Ray Ewanchuk presented Father Ivan Nahachewsky with the flower of Ukraine, a sunflower, as a thank you for his many years of dedication to Whitkow and the preservation of its Catholic church.
Sadly, the day had to come to an end, but Father Ivan continued his Whitkow visit with a peaceful kayak ride on Glass Lake.
“The bird life was excellent. I also had a 10-minute visit with an old beaver. Very friendly. Hovered around me within a five-metre radius,” he reported.
History (submitted by Audrey Mustaler)
The Whitkow Catholic hall has been closed for years, prone to break-ins, and if anyone got hurt- the [Eparchy] would be liable. So, in late winter 2017, it was demolished. The tables and benches were salvaged to place in the back of the church for functions.
The church has also suffered many break-ins and vandalism, with the most recent being the disappearance of a precious statue of Jesus.
The church had been closed for 18 years, but with the hard work and determination of the local parishioners, re-opened six years ago. Since then, fundraising efforts resulted in the roof being re-shingled last fall, a job well done to Jesse and his crew from Thunderstorm Roofing in Saskatoon.
In addition to the annual Praznyk, a one-year memorial for Walter Ewanchuk was held at the church, plus a photography group from Saskatoon felt the church would be a great place for their year-end trip.
It is hoped this will be known as a community church, with doors open to welcome everyone, no matter their faith, and that with continued restoration efforts this quaint, peaceful, little church in Whitkow will be around for many more years to come.
Mark June 8, 2024, on your calendar for next year’s Whitkow Praznyk.
