St James Priddis

Almost a year ago we were given the opportunity to visit three little churches south of Calgary all connected to the same group. Just a short distance away from a million plus folks, each is hidden away in a pleasant small town or rural setting that feels far removed from the big city. All that hustle and bustle is just over that way, but here it’s a relaxed country vibe, much peace and quiet and a slower pace of life. It’s the domain of pickups and cowboys, where friendly neighbours and hard work is the norm.

The first we’ll look at is picturesque St James in Priddis Alberta. But first…

This article was supposed to be published spring 2020, but then that nasty pandemic crashed the party and it had to be bumped. The rule asked of us was no posting about places people can go and congregate, coming direct from Tourism Alberta. It was not forced upon us but a request, which we felt was proper to follow. With the world slowly, and cautiously, returning to normal we can now continue where we left off (but social distancing folks). What a strange few months it’s been.

Incidentally, this church and the two others in the same “Parish” should make an appearance in our upcoming book. Hitting the shelves in 2021, on old fashioned paper, so something tangible you can hold on to and love, within its pages we’ll take you on a tour of historic places like this across the province. It should be an awesome time!

St James Anglican dates from 1904 and sits atop land donated by an early homesteader after which the little community is named (one Charles Priddis). It’s a bit off the main highway, a sometimes crazy-busy road and is tucked away at the base of a wooded hill down a quiet lane. It’s in “Downtown” Priddis, home to a couple businesses, a community centre and a grouping of houses and that’s about it. Blink and you’ll miss it…as they say.

The location here is the foothills where the plains and Rockies meet. Think rolling pasture land and wooded glens, with a population of cows greater than that of than people. Think a place where a horse is a commonplace form of transportation. Formal dress is jeans, a hubcap sized belt buckle and a wide brimmed stetson hat. It’s where the old west and the modern world meet. And once in a while they clash.

Estate homes and acreages have made inroads among the ranches and farms here, so now they’re in the mix too. All the while, Priddis has kept a small town ambience.

When the church was built Alberta was a year away from being a province with the population of perhaps a couple hundred thousand. Calgary, the closest community, was at the time home to some ten thousand. Now there’s well over four million total in Alberta and Cowtown is home to at least a quarter of them. You’d never know standing in front of St James that just over the hill is a metropolis. How’s that even possible in this serene setting?

St James is used every Sunday (for some rural churches it’s once or twice per month) and can seat up to about forty people. At times we’re told it’s a full house. There’s an active and enthusiastic congregation and the building is well kept and decorated. You can tell there’s much love for this simple little church.

Of course, it’s been host to many weddings, funerals and other events over its long history. Happy times and sad, it’s here lost souls are rescued, wee ones are welcomed into the world and a good bye is given to those moving on and leaving earthly confines. It all happens within these walls.

The church is simply laid out, rectangular in shape and roughly aligned east/west with a single room inside. There’s a small bell tower. Other than utility shed, there’s nothing else building wise on the modest property. You have to head across the street to the community centre if you have business to do. There’s some nice gardens on the small plot of land on which the church is located. A creek runs not far away. Old photos from the early days show St James looking much as it does today. Here’s to another century!

Priddis was founded in 1890s but back then it was way out in the sticks. How things change with the city now knocking on the door.

St James was one of the Twelve Apostles and beheaded for his ties to Christ. The patron saint of Spain it’s said his remains are held in the city of Santiago de Compostela in that country.

There’s a connection here! In 2018 the Team walked the Way of St James, aka the legendary El Camino in España and it was a most amazing time. Attending mass at Cathedral de Santiago, at the end of the pilgrimage trail, was something incredibly moving (even for non-religious types like your author). It suggested St James’ remains are somewhere in or under this spectacular building that dates back almost a thousand years. To take in that adventure, start at the link below: Scruffy Peregrino.

The Anglican Church in Canada, until mid last century, the Church of England in Canada, goes back hundreds of years in this country. With one point six million practitioners, it’s the third largest church group here.

Coming soon, a look at Christ Church out by Millarville and St George’s Turner Valley, the other two belonging to Meota Parish. Each is old, each is unique, and each photographs wonderfully. That’s a win for us – love to shoot thing photogenic and these all have it. Expect these to be published in a month or two. The book’s monopolizing our resources into October, so output at BIGDoer.com will be hit and miss at times.

Till then, have a great time exploring our site for other amazing articles. You’ll be hooked! If you like old churches, and we’re a big fan, so you’ll see many here.

They’re saying…

”I enjoy learning about the old and abandoned places structures. A picture can tell a story about history. Love your site!” Richard Smith.

More belonging to Meota Parish…
Christ Church Millarville.
St George’s Turner Valley.

More houses of worship…
St Nicholas – spectacular!
Zion Lutheran Church – beautiful abandonment.
St Paul’s Anglican – Calgary’s oldest and smallest.

If you wish more information on what you’ve seen here, by all means contact us!

Date of Adventure: July, 2019.
Location(s): Priddis, AB.
Article references and thanks: Reverend Gordon Pontifex & Meota Parish.

At St James, Priddis Alberta.

It’s a charming country church.

Established in 1904!

In the soft light of evening.

There’s something magic about a place like this.

It’s one Meota Parish’s three little churches.

A welcoming sight.