REWARD, Sask. — In the centre of St. Joseph’s Colony, near Reward, stands a historic landmark that is visible for miles. The Holy Rosary Shrine and Catholic Church has been the subject of many Saskatchewan photographers and photography pages on social media.
In spite of its declining appearance, parishioners and locals remain dedicated to the longevity of the church and shrine. As the 90th anniversary of the Holy Rosary approaches, set for a day full of celebrations July 10, concerns about deteriorating exterior and interior are high, as is the resolve of committed individuals who are doing everything they can to ensure a future for this beautiful structure and place of worship.
The beginnings of the Holy Rosary Parish were difficult. The land was donated, and the original church was built in 1911. Several years late in 1918, under the guidance of Fr. Bieler, along with donations and hard work of the German and Russian pioneers, the original church was replaced with a larger church.
Fr. Groetschel arranged the first pilgrimage to the Holy Rosary in 1932 with 3,000 people present. At that time, the bishop was brought in from two mils away, travelling by carriage drawn by white horses.
In 1932, the outdoor shrine was built. It was a wooden structure enclosed on three sides. Thirty-two years later a brick structure replaced it. A canopy was added in the late 1970s and from there, ongoing improvements to the grounds took place. Customary to this day is the procession of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction at the shrine.
“For the past 90 years, people have been gathering at the shrine as a place of pilgrimage, prayer and fellowship,” says committee member Leanne Clarke.
The committee expresses appreciation for donations over the years for major projects to maintain the site. The cemetery cross, all of the windows, the front doors, front steps and wheelchair ramp have all seen upgrades. New picnic tables and a statue of Mary have also been restored.
Unfortunately, the elements have taken their toll on the church and there is serious deterioration.
“Today, we are in a position where serious decisions are having to be made,” says Clarke.
The Holy Rosary Committee is made up of Clarke as chair, Sheila Grant as secretary and committee members Stephen Kloster, Whitey (Rodney) Krachtmer, Chris Birn and Kim Herbst.
Regular services are held in the summer, starting May 15 and continuing to Sept. 15, every second Saturday, officiated by St. Peter’s priest, Fr. Greg Roth. Attendance varies between 30 and 100 per service. The first mass of 2022 saw 75 in the pews.
This historic church with its beautiful interior has also hosted weddings over the years for couples who want a unique for their nuptials, with many having ties to the church or the surrounding community.
COVID has put a dent into their income, as the church was unable to host in-person events.
The committee is hoping past and present parishioners, area residents and those who value the history and heritage of Holy Rosary Shrine and church will help with the repair costs.
The carpenter who completed the work rebuilding the front entry steps in 2022 told the committee if the remaining work was not fixed this year, the building and the shrine are at real peril of 小蓝视频 beyond repair.
A church restoration group began some of the work with a strict budget, however the committee knows they do not have the money to finish the project.
Preservation is a priority
Preservation is important and the committee said there have been no concerns raised on the viability or reality of repair. Donations do not just have to come in the form of dollars and cents, as physical labour has been beneficial in the past.
Many people who have a lifelong relationship with the church and the shrine say the place is near and dear to their hearts and they remain committed to seeing repair work is made.
Visitors who have attended the church for the first time as a wedding guest or other service have remarked on the sense of community the place holds. History and respect for tradition and ancestors is also another reason the group remains committed.
Holding an in-person 90th anniversary celebration is one way the organizing committee hopes to attract a crowd and they can see for themselves the concerns with Holy Rosary’s future.
The 90th anniversary Shrine celebration includes a full day of activity July 10. The event begins with adoration and confession at 2 p.m. followed by the rosary and Marian Hymns. Bishop Mark Hagemoen is presiding over mass. A barbecue supper will follow with a free will offering and there will be large tent on the grounds for socializing after. To help with fundraising, a silent auction will also be part of the day’s activities. Bill Romanowski of the Knights of Columbus is offering rides to the day’s events. Call 306-228-7991.
Mr. Kappel’s replica of the Holy Rosary Church comes out for the pilgrimage each year and will be on display for this event (see photo).
Donations to assist with the preservation efforts can be forwarded to: Holy Rosary Shrine, Box 1536, Unity S0K 4L), Etransfer is also accepted by emailing [email protected] (password mamamary90). Tax receipts are available.
