A historic church in Calgary's west represents community

With a population of 100, Dalemad Church in rural Dalemad, Alberta is a small church with a big heart.

Dalemad Church, started in 1904 by a student minister named Fraser, was in a wooden house between the kitchen and dining room in front of the school, built in 1908.

Current minister Wes Thiessen said the church's location along a traditional rail line southeast of Calgary provides connections between major cities where people travel to and from Dalemad.

“One of the main reasons the church's past and history is so active,” said Thiessen, “is that it's an important transportation link between Canada's two largest cities.”

The church became a busy spot for settlers, travelers and citizens traveling through Alberta, but Thiessen said the minister at the time, the Reverend Barry, would travel from Langdon on horseback the day before the service and then spend the night with his family. from the church.

In charge of two or three other church services in Rocky View County, Rev. Barry had his hands full every week, but the small community of Dalemad welcomed him with open arms, even when his arrival was uncertain.

Except for one night, Thiessen explains with a laugh.

Newcomers to the village in 1909, the Whissen family were unaware of the nomadic hospitality of the nomads who knocked on their door one Saturday evening. Barry met Mrs. Whisen and then a door slammed in his face.

He was understandably embarrassed at church Sunday morning, Thiessen said.

Dalemad Cemetery, established in 1919 and revived in 1986, was also an important place for families living in the village, Theisen said. Usually accompanied by a minister, they would go from the church to the cemetery in horse-drawn carriages and share their sorrows with those closest to them.

Now nondenominational, the Dalemad church was once part of the United Methodist Church denomination for decades until the mid-1970s, but Theisen said despite the change, it was always important to stay connected.

“I'm in regular contact with people throughout the week, we're concerned about what's important to people and we pray when they come up,” Thiessen said.

Dalemad Church has been a big part of Thiesen and his wife's lives since he was appointed pastor in 2019, and the small community of villagers has greatly appreciated his knowledge since his arrival.

“You see people welcome you,” Thiessen says, “and they hang out with you, they talk to you, and you become part of the family.”

According to Thyssen, the spring of 2020 was a big challenge for the church as they struggled with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, but a new method of virtual congregation born out of difficult times turned out to be a key part of the Dalemad church.

Some attendees have returned to attend church physically, but Thiessen says the hybrid virtual/in-person congregation has allowed everyone to stay connected even if they can't attend — a testament to the strong bonds of the Dalemad community.

Dalemead Church held its annual spring breakfast on June 23, where everyone is free.

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