Key Number:	HS 35680
Site Name:	Dickiebush - Russo-Orthodox Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
Other Names:
Site Type:	1603 - Religious: Church, Cathedral or Chapel

Location

ATS Legal Description:

			Twp	Rge	Mer
			58	15	4

Address:	N/A
Number:	N/A
Street:	N/A
Avenue:	N/A
Other:
Town:
Near Town:	Bellis

Media

Type	Number	Date	View	Source

Architectural

Style:	Ukrainian-Canadian Church Style
Plan Shape:	Cruciform with Apse
Storeys:	Storeys: 1
Foundation:
Superstructure:	Horizontal Log
Superstructure Cover:
Roof Structure:	Medium Hip
Roof Cover:
Exterior Codes:	Roof Trim - Eaves: Projecting Eaves Window - Special Types: Half-Round Window - Special Types: Semi-Circular
Exterior:	Projecting eaves, decorated fascia on skirt roofs, plain soffit, round windows on 3 apsidal elevations, semi-circular windows, 2 on each apse, 2 on narthex, 4 on dome, half-round window over doorway, palin flat door trim.
Interior:	Choir loft, no benches, 3 tiered iconostas, religious depictions both painted and hung on walls, no evidence of Ukrainianization, 20 metre open dome.
Environment:	Former School District of Dicklebush. Adjacent cemetery and parish hall, rural setting, situated high on a hill, surrounded by deciduous trees, exclusively agricultural infrastructrure.
Condition:	Good. 10 NOV 1987
Alterations:	N/A

Historical

Construction:	Construction Date:
Constructed	1909/01/01
Usage:	Usage Date:
Church	1909/01/01
Owner:	Owner Date:
N/A

Architect:	N/A
Builder:	Steve Rosychuk
Craftsman:	N/A
History:	Parish established in 1909. One of the first cruciform churches in the settlement area. Sts. Peter and Paul Russo-Orthodox Church Dickiebush from St. Paraskovia's at Downing: 1/4 mole north, 6 miles west, 3/4 mile north on gravel road (NE 27-58-15-W4). In a place settlers called 'wild bush' stands one of the most impressive structures in the settlement area. Perched high on a hill and visible for miles around, this proud tribute to Ukrainian culture and the pioneering spirit invites all to share in its splendour. Built in the years 1909-14, Sts. Peter and Paul is one of the most impressive churches in the area for several reasons. Constructed from logs (siding was first applied in 1915), it is one of the region's first cruciform churches and one of the first with a completely open dome (as opposed to a closed dome on an open drum). As well, the dome was not a coutious, small-scale experiment: the ceiling extends a full 20 metres above floor level. The builder was a carpenter named Steve Rosychuk, a man who could neiter read nor write but who was able to make plans for Sts. Peter and Paul from the mental image of a church he had seen in his homeland. Though Ukrainian in terms of plan shape and essential design elements, the church has several features that are distinctive. The belfry, for instance, is positioned on top of the narthex and forms an integral part of the structure. In addition, the arms of the cross in the cruciform shape (i.e., the north and south wings) are apsidal rather than rectangular in shape, thus emphasizing the building's height. Symbolically, the taller the building stood, the closer it was to the heavens. An opportunity to see the interior of this religious and archtectural treasure should not be missed. Reverend N. Leoko, parish priest in 1924, painted Sts. Peter and Paul both inside and out and the congregation has maintained the church's historical integrity to an exceptional degree ever since. Conforming to the ancient tradition in Eastern-rite churches, there are no pews, only a small number of benches along the walls for the very young and the elderly. The beauty of the two-tiered iconostasis and the sheer magnificence of the structure's interior space are simply breathtaking. A cemetery and community hall are situated in the yard near the church. RESOURCE Russo Greek Orthodox Church of Sts. Peter &Paul ADDRESS County of Smoky Lake BUILT 1909 STATUS APPLICANT Parish HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Dickiebush was built in 1909 as a secondary expansion of the Russo Orthodox mission system and an aspect of the consolidation of rural communities in east central Alberta. Prior to that year, most of the region was served by the Russo-Orthodox church in Shandro. As the population expanded to the extent where smaller localities could establish newer churches, the community of Dickiebush was formed.. In general, Russo Orthodox Church organizations preceded Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church developments which dominated later. The style of the church is unique to Alberta, and is reminiscent of more elaborate village churches in Ukraine. As such, it is not only historically significant to east central Alberta, but is also a significant contribution to the architectural record of the province, comparable to the much heralded "Prairie cathedrals" of Reverend Philip Ruh. Built of different materials, it featured a horizontal log base and was sided with materials purchased at the newly opened lumber yard at Lamont and floated down the North Saskatchewan River. This is a structure which had never really been surpassed among its peers anywhere in Western Canada. BUILDING/SITE ASSESSMENT Sts. Peter & Paul is a large unique log building clad in horizontal siding with a stable structural system following extensive repair and reinforcing in the roof area beneath the minor domes. The congregation is committed to a good maintenance program and this year propose to restore the siding and the windows which show signs of the putty and paint breakdown. This Provincial Historic Resource occupies a prominent hill site close to the North Saskatchewan River on a well travelled secondary road. The church shares the property with a cemetery and small church hall. The church has a small electrical system and the interior is heated by a forced air furnace situated in the nave. COMMENTS Working in collaboration with department staff, the congregation of Sts. Peter and Paul began a priorized program to rehabilitate their church. In 1998, they hired the services of an engineering firm to assess and restore the structural integrity of the frames supporting the north and south pinnacles. This year they propose to restore the wood siding and the windows in an extensive paint restoration project. This is an active parish that have regular monthly services and they are quite conscientious in maintaining the cemetery.

Internal

Designation Status:	Designation Date:
Provincial Historic Resource	2003/07/15

Register:	N/A

Links

Internet:
Alberta Register of Historic Places:	4665-0839