Sunny Glen
The needs and desires of our pioneers were basically the same as they are today, namely education, religion and recreation. Wherever a settlement sprang up, the first structure to be built was usually a school. The "school house" then served as a centre for social gatherings and on Sunday as place of worship.
The settlers of the Sunny Glen district set a precedent, it would seem. As early as 1909, those of the Anglican faith started a church with the Rev. Shorto in charge of the parish. It was one of very few country churches in this area. It was situated on the SE 5-39-23-W3, then owned by J. T. Davies (presently owned by Wilfred Eberle). A cemtery was also in use.
We were unable to find any record of the activities of the church the first few years, except that services were not held on regularly. On April 17, 1912, Mr. J. A. Sirrs, Secreatary-Tresurer for the newly formed school board, wrote the Deputy Minister of Education in Regina, on behalf of the Trustees, asking for permission to hold school in the church, while the school was under construction. A reply, dated April 26, 1912, gave consent providing the Trustees of the Church were in agreement. We were unable to contact anyone who has recollections of school being hled in the church building, or who would have taken charge of the classes.
The next few years are unaccounted for as far as records go. Perusal of the records of the Synod of the Dioese of Saskatoon, held by the Archives Board at the University of Saskatchewan, failed to enlighten the situation.
The church was moved in 1924 to the NE 5-39-23-W3 which was owned by A. E. Davies. The church was now situated across from school.
Under the chairmanship of Rev. Kirkbride a meeting was held in the school on May 21, 1924 with an eye to re-organization. Mrs. Metcalfe wsa nominated to act as secretary for this meeting. Rev. Kirkbride was engaged by St. John's at Unity for a salary of fifteen dollars with one hundred and fifty dollars for car or livery expenses. Country appointments were asked to pay one-third of the expense. It was decided to take a canvass of the district before a committment was made.
In 1925 it was decided to renovate the church to the extent of tow hundred and fifty dollars.
The Rev. J. F. Haynes was to be the last parish pastor, as a special meeting was held on July 14, 1935 to close down the church. It was moved to Unity and for a time was used as a Scout Hall.
Last Updated: Sunday, February 10, 2002
