Near Morley in Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

Restoring the Church

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2022

1. Restoring the Church Marker

Inscription.
After it closed in 1921, the church was neglected until the early 1950s when a group of volunteers began restoration.

A group of men from the United Church formed the Morley Church Restoration Society and began fund-raising to restore the church to its previous dignity.

Volunteers offered time and materials to remove graffiti, replace the roof and broken windows, and refinish both interior and exterior surfaces. Since 1952, a service has been held each spring and fall as well as weddings and other special ceremonies.

Like the Indian tribe for which it was built, this historic little church has withstood the onset of civilization. Standing like a sentinel of the foothills, sharply silhouetted against the sky, it is a landmark of the adventurous days of the early west.
(Mabel E. Jordon, 1957)

Erected by McDougall Stoney Mission Society; and the Calgary Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.

Location. 51° 11.205′ N, 114° 49.487′ W. Marker is near Morley, Alberta, in Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8. Marker

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can be reached from Bow Valley Trail (Provincial Highway 1A) 1.6 kilometers east of Morley Road (Provincial Highway 133X), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at the McDougall Stoney Mission Historical Site, just south of the McDougall Memorial United Church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Morley AB T0L 1N0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Caretaker's Cabin (here, next to this marker); Building A Church (here, next to this marker); Establishing Morleyville (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stoney People (within shouting distance of this marker); The Methodist Missionaries (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. George MacDougall (within shouting distance of this marker); Morleyville Historic Mission (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); McDougall Memorial (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morley.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. McDougall Stoney Mission Historical Site

Marker detail: Before restoration began, 1952 image. Click for full size.

Glenbow Archives NA 659-48

2. Marker detail: Before restoration began, 1952

Marker detail: Restoration in progress, circa 1952 image. Click for full size.

Glenbow Archives NA 4212-106

3. Marker detail: Restoration in progress, circa 1952

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2022

4. Restoring the Church Marker

(looking north • McDougall Memorial United Church —“Morleyville Church” — in background)

McDougall Memorial United Church (<i>northeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2022

5. McDougall Memorial United Church (northeast elevation)

(related markers visible in right background)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 20, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.