Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, Boyle

The area immediately north of Boyle, boarded by Flat Lake on the west and Skeleton Lake on the east, was settled largely by immigrants from various provinces of the Ukraine. Regardless of their specific provincial origins, they all had a religious up-bringing, so that, once the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter were met, the idea of a local church often came up in discussion.

Soon, the discussions became more serious and in 1934, after the harvest had been completed, a group of neighbors gathered at the farm home of Emil Ochotta to discuss and organize a church parish. As a result of this meeting, they contacted St. Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Church in Edmonton for help. The then parish priest, Rev. Vdovichenko, agreed to come out to Boyle to celebrate mass when and if time permitted. The first such service was held in Monticello School in June 1935.This was the first celebration of the Divine Liturgy of the Russian Greek Orthodox Church in the Boyle District!
Boyle Church

Having met with the success and encouragement, Emil Ochotta next organized a meeting at the home of Harry Kowalchuk. At this meeting the Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church of Boyle was officially founded. The founding members present at this meeting were: Anton Harnaha, Harry Kovalchuk, Fred Kovalchuk, George Leschuk, Peter Muzichuk, Stephen Nakonechny, Philip Nichiporuk, Emil Ochotta, William Pasnak, Hnat Ryl, Carl Shavoley and Alexander Smolarchuk.

The first church board elected at this meeting consisted of Emil Ochotta, Chairman; Harry Kovalchuk, Secretary; Stephen Nakonechny, Treasurer; Peter Muzichuk and Carl Shavoley, Members.

Subsequent meeting got down to the business of raising funds and erecting the church building. Members and supporters donated to the best of their abilities, some giving or pledging money, others giving lumber or voluntary labor.

George Leschuk donated a plot of land from his farm. This consisted of several acres and became the site for the new church and cemetery. Alexander Smolarchuk donated some of his finest tamarack trees. Some of the Boyle merchants donated lumber and nails and construction began. With a lot of help from the parishioners who were dedicated and enthusiastic, construction proceeded quickly. Within a short time, the building was closed in with windows and doors.

At this stage construction suddenly came to a stop because of a lack of funds and materials. Almost miraculously, a donation of $20.00 was received from Mr. William Pasnak who was an elderly retired pensioner and a founding member of the church. This contribution was sufficient to pay for the shingles and other supplies and enabled the construction to be completed and closed in for the winter of 1935.

The coming of winter did not appreciably slow down the activities of the church. As the Christmas season approached, caroling was organized.

Most of the interior fixtures in the church were handcrafted by the members. Floral arrangements were donated by the members and supporters, and the ladies sewed the processional banners. John Humeny, a blacksmith in Boyle, designed and crafted the cross, which he donated to the congregation. This was hauled to the top of the church and placed in position by Nick Smolarchuk during the dedication in April.

The day for the dedication of the new church was planned for Sunday, April 19, 1936, which was also Memorial Sunday for the congregation.

Today, the church stands in all its dignity as a testimonial to the hard working and determined pioneers and founders who built it.