Holy Trinity Whitsuntide Ukrainian Greek -Orthodox Church of Thorsby

This history of the church dates back to the years 1917 to 1918 when the residents of the area gathered at homes to worship in the orthodox faith of their forefathers.

As the area settled, a church was built with the efforts of the people of the area both orthodox and other faiths.  The building was shared for the purpose of worship.

 In the fall of 1919 the first Thanksgiving service was held, with the church not quite finished.

 Originally it was the Buford area, in circa 1930’s when Buford moved to be closer  to the rail line on Rgd 275 ,the Buford  settlement name was then changed to Glen Park, its present day site. Since Thorsby was already there in 1927 the address became Thorsby.

Serving the Orthodox group in those days were Right Reverend Amphilogy and Rite Reverend Archmandrite Arseny.

In 1917, the small group purchased a 2- acre site from the C.P.R for the purpose of a church and graveyard. The first executives were Nick Harrish (Hawrysh), Andrew Paholko (Pacholka), Peter Shymansky (Shymunsky) in the summer of 1918. The land was cleared and construction began on the church that still stands today.  

The building was built with materials and labor donated by all the members. The church was renovated on several occasions. In the 1940’s the original siding was removed and replaced by new stucco,singles and foundation in the 1950’s. A new Iconostasis was built by the skillful hands  of Mr. Duruda. Materials were supplied by the other members of the church.  In 1960’s, the interior took a new look with new wall paneling , new ceiling and power was installed as well as propane heating. .Alongside the church ,about 1943 a hall was built from the siding removed from the church. The hall is used during the summer for gatherings and annual picnics.

 The cemetery is in the same yard and all are identified and marked with a headstone. 

 In 1987, the church was repainted on the outside The Iconostasis and interior were also redecorated.

 After 105 years, the “Little Church on the Hill” as it is often referred to by local people still stands fulfilling the needs of all the families who worship the Orthodox faith that their forefathers established for lifelong fulfillment.