Historic church north of Prince Albert destroyed by fire

An historic church that’s been standing for over 100 years has been consumed by fire.

Around 11 p.m. on Friday, the Garden River fire department was called to the Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, better known to many locals as The Polish Church. It’s located about 25 minutes drive from Prince Albert.

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Though abandoned for decades, this church had stood since 1910 in the Claytonville District of Garden River and has been a recognizable landmark, visible for miles.

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, local community members believe it was deliberately set.

According to a social media post by Rural Municipality of Garden River Reeve Ryan Scragg, the church was a piece of local history — one that connected generations to the early settlers who built it.

“To think that someone would indiscriminately destroy this piece of our heritage is beyond frustrating. Whether you had a personal connection to the church or simply appreciated it as part of our landscape, its loss is deeply felt. If anyone has information about what happened, I encourage you to come forward,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Saskatchewan RCMP at 310-RCMP, their local police service or to inform Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or at saskcrimestoppers.com.

— by Nigel Maxwell

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