Key Number:	HS 37896
Site Name:	Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
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Site Type:	1603 - Religious: Church, Cathedral or Chapel

Location

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			Twp	Rge	Mer
			57	7	5

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Town:	Rochfort Bridge
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Architectural

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Historical

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Church
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N/A

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History:	D-2114 – TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, ROCHFORD BRIDGE HISTORICAL CONTEXT : When the Dominion government undertook the township survey of land north of the Pembina River near present day Sangudo in 1906, the only settlers were a few trappers, although some had the idea of developing the countryside for ranching purposes. The subdivision of the area into quarter-sections however meant that the government wanted it to be made into farms by homesteaders. No too much happened for the next three years as the district was so remote from a rail center. However, in 1909, the government opened a Dominion Land Office in Grouard and began subdividing the Grande Prairie area for homesteading. That same year, the Alberta government announced a vast program of railway development by guaranteeing the bonds of major railway companies. As a result, the Canadian Northern Railway soon announced its intention to build a line to the Grande Prairie. Indeed, they had already surveyed a route for such a line, which was to cross the Pembina River southwest of present day Sangudo. That same year, the government established a ferry right at this site. In 1910, settlers began to take up homesteads north of the Pembina, even though the Canadian Northern put its Peace River line on hold for two years. By the end of 1912 however, the line was completed past Onoway, to a point called Peace River Junction. The following year the Canadian Northern began work on a trestle bridge over the Pembina. This brought a horde of settlers to the land north of the Pembina. Although the bridge would not be completed until 1918, due to the demands of World War I, the area was essentially “settled” at this time. In order that the Canadian Northern might continue its line towards the Peace River Country, another bridge was constructed at this time across the Paddle River, some 10 km beyond the Pembina, at a place called Robinson’s Crossing. Five km away a store and post office called Wanekville had operated since 1912. When the railway arrived however, Rudolph Wanek moved his store to near the bridge, and, for a while, it was known as Wanekville. This German name may have been unacceptable to local residents however, for the local petition called for the post office to be named Rochford, after another early settler called Cowper Rochford. As this was felt to be too close to Rockyford in southern Alberta, the decision was eventually made for Rochford Bridge. Rudolph Wanek was but one of a number of German settlers in the area around Rochford Bridge, and, beginning in 1913, several Lutheran ministers began to visit the area and conduct services in German, in schools and private homes. Though no church existed, a synod called Missouri was formed for the entire district in 1915, and, in 1920, the first resident Lutheran minister, Reverend G.A. Roehrs, took up duties, residing in Anselmo. He would serve until 1925. The following year, he was replaced by Reverend B.J. Saleska, who took up residence in the hamlet of Rochford Bridge. He was replaced in 1929 by Reverend W.K. Kautz, and it was under Kautz that the Congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, Rochford Bridge was formed. The word Evangelical was inserted later. The constitution was signed by people with the names of Fast, Neumann, Opperstshauser and Wolters. Paul Neumann was the first president. With the Congregation in place, work was immediately begun on a church building, which was to be located right in the hamlet. The design, featuring a large acutely sloped gable roof and large steeple, was adopted from other Lutheran churches in the West. The head carpenter was Fred Wackenhut, assisted by Paul Neumann himself, while the labor was strictly volunteer. On 22 June 1933, after two years of work, the Church was officially dedicated. It has served the Lutheran population around Rochford Bridge ever since, which is mainly of German descent, although services have long since been conducted in English. In 1955, an extension was built to the north to serve as a parsonage. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE : The historical significance of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church at Rochford Bridge lies in its provision of structural evidence of the strong Germen and Lutheran and German presence in this district, which began shortly after the Canadian Northern Railway had stated its intention, in 1910, to traverse the area on its way to the Grande Prairie. It is also important as the major landmark in the hamlet of Rochford Bridge. Built during 1931-33. CONTEXT: C ommon role of regional significance, few representatives. Considerations are that this was a very important, if not central, structure to the German settlers of the district, but that the district served was not large. EVENT/ACTIVITY: Religious ceremonies, along with marriages and burials, took place there, as well as a number of civil events such as charitable bazaars. These tended to be community wide events. PERSONAL/INSTITUTIONAL: The Lutheran pastors were very influential among their parishioners, especially since there appears to have been some antagonism towards the German settlers in the area during and after World War I. REMARKS : Very important landmark to the people of this community, evidence of the German heritage of the district.

Internal

Designation Status:	Designation Date:

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Links

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Alberta Register of Historic Places: