Kayville SK Saints Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church and Cemetery 1906

Kayville, Saskatchewan, Saints Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church and Cemetery, 1906

Kayville, Saskatchewan, Dormition of the Theotokos (Saint Mary) Romanian Orthodox Church and Cemetery, 1915

➸ Kayville, Saskatchewan, Saint Mary and Saints Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church and Cemeteries, 20__

Romanian may be spelt Roumanian.

Wallachia may be spelt Ungro Valachia.

Prehistory and environment

Romanian immigration to Canada began in about 1885. Although the majority of the newly-arrived Romanians at that time and afterwards emigrated from the Province of Bucovina (at that time under the Austro-Hungarian Empire), some came also from the provinces of Moldavia and Wallachia of the Kingdom of Romania, and some also arrived from the Province of Transylvania of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

At that time, the Department of the Interior of the Government of Canda was encouraging immigration in order to settle the central and western parts of the country as a defence from the danger of invasion from the USA.

In 1885, the first Romanian settlement was in the region near Canora and Yorkton, in what is now Saskatchewan (at that time North-West Territories), the first Romanian Bloc-settlement in the region. Many of the Romanians worked as labourers for one or another of the railways that were being constructed at that time as an important element in the development of the interior. It was through such labour that the newcomers managed to gather funds to support their homesteads and farmsteads.

By about 1905, Romanian settlement included farmlands in the southern parts of Saskatchewan, as well as various towns throughout the various regions.

In 1905, Romanian settlers, seeking free government land under the Dominion Lands Act, founded Kayville. The name Kayville comes from Billie McKay. He named the community by taking the “Kay” from his last name and adding “ville”.

Settlers began to build in Kayville around Main Street, and homesteads outside the community itself. The first homesteads were built in 1906, and the homesteaders were farmers and ranchers.

According to Dr. Eleanor Bugea, the majority of the Romanians who settled in this region had emigrated from the provinces of Ardeal and Bucovina in Romania. Of the latter, a source says that very many came from the region of Rădăuți. Moreover, one of the very early priests to serve in Kayville had arrived to North America first to serve newcomers in North Dakota, USA (presumed to be Sawyer, North Dakota). Because the land in Saskatchewan was so good, and the price so reasonable, he led many of these Romanians in moving to the Kayville region.

Church development

By this time, the so-called “The Russian Mission in North America” had been developing various parish communities in Western Canada (beginning in 1897), and these clergy were labouring under the leadership at that time of Archbishop Tikhon (Belavin) of New York, North America, and the Aleutian Islands. This missionary work intended to include all the Orthodox Christians of all nationalities in order to develop a unified local Orthodox Church on the continent. However, not all the immigrants agreed to this, and amongst them were some of the Romanian newcomers. Therefore, letters were sent to Metropolitan Pimen (Georgiescu) of Iași, Moldavia, and Suceava, in which requests were made for a priest to begin serving these Romanian-speaking communities. At first, Metropolitan Pimen sent Archimandrite Evanghie (Ungureanu) (p. 89), and then he sent Priest Benedict Iliescu (p. 61).

Although this arrangement began well, there arose serious difficulties. The isolation of the Romanians from the other Orthodox ; the immense distance from Romania (together with immense communication difficulties) ; and the fact that various Romanian groups approached various Romanian bishops in the homeland (such as the Metropolitan of Sibiu and the Metropolitan of Ungro Valachia) caused confusion. These were not simplified by the fact that some parishes in North Dakota were included in this Romanian missionary venture.

Nevertheless, the very first Romanian Orthodox Temple in Saskatchewan was the Temple of Saint Nicholas in Regina, North-West Territories (later, Saskatchewan), which was built in 1901. It was from there that the other parishes were developed in the years that followed.

Establishment of the parishes at Kayville

As the settlement of southern farmlands in Saskatchewan progressed, the Romanian newcomers also began to establish houses of worship in their communities. Amongst these were the Temples established at Kayville, Saskatchewan.

Saints Peter and Paul Church

The first of these was the Temple of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul near Kayville, Saskatchewan, on a rural site, which included a cemetery. The parishioners began to organise themselves upon arrival in 1906, and they constructed the Temple of Saints Peter and Paul in 1908. It was established on 10 acres (4.5 hectares) of land at Dahinda Farm, 6.5 km (4 mi) north and 1.5 km (1 mi) east of Kayville.

Saints Peter and Paul Church

Between 1908 and 1911, 11 more members joined, after having moved to Kayville from North Dakota, USA.

This building was enlarged in 1928.

The site of this Temple and its cemetery was at GPS co-ordinates : 49.78363, -105.12214.

As the settlement spread to Wood Mountain, Elm Springs, Flintoft/Lakenheath, Pierceland, Stonehenge, and Assiniboia, Temples were erected in these places as well.

Meanwhile, the village of Kayville began to expand around the original Main Street. In 1912-1913, the village gained a post-office, and a school.

Moose Jaw

In 1913, the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in the city of Moose Jaw was established. This temple, like those in Regina, is and was a great distance from the rural parishes. Moreover, because the home province of Bucovina was very much a mixture of Slavs and Romanians, so it was in the emigration. This parish, which was made up of such a mix, was established in the Canadian Deanery of the North American Diocese of the “Russian Mission” in North America.

Holy Trinity Church, Moose Jaw

Division

In 1915, a division of the community arose, related in part to the supply of clergy (and to the misbehaviour of at least one of them), but also to the places where people were living. Therefore, 2 other groups were established.

The divisions were further exacerbated after 1924, when the Church of Romania accepted the Constantinopolitan pressure to adopt the New (Revised Julian) Calendar. There was yet more confusion at that time, because some thought to adopt the Gregorian New Calendar.

Saint Mary (Dormition) Church

In 1915, the Temple of Saint Mary (Dormition of the Theotokos) was established on a rural site, which included a cemetery. Its GPS co-ordinates : 49.78415, -105.21385. This is located 10 km (6 mi) north-west of Kayville, on John Ursu's farm.

Saint Mary Orthodox Church

The builder was Dumitru Cuciuranu, who also built the churches of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church near Kayville ; the Ascension of Our Lord Orthodox Church at Elm Springs ; and Holy Trinity Orthodox Church near Kayville.

Thirty-seven years later, a full basement was added.

The first pastor was Priest Filaret Gheorghiu (p. 58), who served from 1915 to 1917.

They had regular services, alternating with Saints Peter and Paul Church, until 1985. In 1997, there were 9 services a year (because of financial difficulties). In 2005, there were only 7 services.

Holy Trinity Church

In 1915 also, the Temple of the Holy Trinity was established on another rural site, which included a cemetery, the third in the area. Its GPS co-ordinates : 49.72739, -105.18923.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

Unlike the other parishes, this one became part of the Canadian Deanery of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America (now The Orthodox Church in America).

In 1916, that deanery became a Vicariate Diocese, the Diocese of Canada within the Diocese of New York, North America, and the Aleutian Islands of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In 1924, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) established a railway line which passed through the village. This event greatly boosted the economy of the village.

1936 Visit of Bishop Polycarp (Moruşca)

In 1936, Bishop Polycarp (Moruşca) made an archpastoral visit to Saskatchewan, including to Saint Mary's Church.

Bishop Polycarp (Moruşca) at Saint Mary's, 1936

The photo gives the viewer a sense of the Romanian Orthodox population of the Kayville region at that time.

Move of the Saint Peter and Paul Temple into the village

In 1947, in part because of the decreasing rural population, the parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Church decided to undertake the work of moving the entire church building from the rural site into the village. The original site remained one of the 2 parish cemeteries. In Kayville, enough land was acquired on the western edge of the village, which would accommodate both this Temple and a newer cemetery. Its GPS co-ordinates : 49.72507, -105.15609.

Moving the Temple, 1947

Both the temples that had begun in, and remained with, the Romanian Patriarchate continued on for many decades to be served at first by resident clergy, and later by clergy travelling from elsewhere to serve the parishes.

As was the case in almost all other rural parishes, so it was in the Kayville area that the countryside became steadily less populated. Mechanisation was one major factor which reduced available work on the farms, and in the associated industries. It was this element which enabled those farmers who were so disposed to increase their personal territory through the purchase of neighbouring farms. This process continued particularly from the 1930s until the present.

75 years

In 1981, the 75th anniversary of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church was marked and celebrated. On that occasion, a small commemorative anniversary booklet was published by the parishioners.

It is likely that this was the occasion on which Archbishop Victorin (Ursache) visited the parish, together with Archimandrite Jerome (Newville) and the retired Priest Dumitru Diaconescu (p. 55).

Combining the parishes and cemeteries

In later years, the Temple of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul was restored to good condition. This temple played a large role in the history of Kayville, and it became protected as an official Provincial Heritage Site.

As time progressed, and particularly following the establishment of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada in 2017, it was decided to combine the 2 Romanian Orthodox Temples into a single parish, known then as the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Saint Mary (Dormition) and Saints Peter and Paul. Even before this time, the services of the parish were being offered all (or mostly) in the English language.

By the 2020s, although it was called a “ghost town”, Kayville still had inhabitants, and people living in Regina were beginning to buy property there.

It remained the case that the parish was served by a priest who travelled from elsewhere to care for the parish. For many years, this priest was the Archpriest Andrew Piasta, who would drive there from his home in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, in order to provide the services.

Kayville Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery (original)

Saints Peter and Paul Rural (original) Cemetery

This cemetery was established in 1906, the year in which the Temple was established.

The earliest interments were in 1913.

Coordinates: 49.78363, -105.12214

Drive southwards on Highway #39. Then drive south along Highway #334. Before the last turning towards Kayville, do not follow the curve to the left, but drive straight to the intersection. Then turn right, and drive northwards. Take the first right-turn, and drive eastwards. Then take the first turn to the left, and drive northwards. The cemetery is on the right.

Kayville Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery (village)

Saints Peter and Paul Church and Cemetery (village)

Bell-house

This cemetery was established in 1927. The earliest interment was in 1934.

Coordinates : 49.72507, -105.15609

Key West County No. 70, Saskatchewan

S0H 2C0

Kayville Saint Mary Cemetery

Saint Mary's Romanian Orthodox Cemetery, Kayville

This cemetery was established in 1915, at the same time as the Temple was constructed.

Coordinates : 49.78415, -105.21385

Key West County No. 70, Saskatchewan

S0H 2C0

The first interments in the cemetery were in 1915. There were many in 1918, during the Spanish Flu Epidemic.

Drive southwards on Highway #39. Then drive south along Highway #334 south and then westwards. Do not take the turning to the left, but continue straight on westwards for 9 km. At the first intersection, turn right (northwards). Continue driving north for 3 km. The Temple and cemetery are on the left.

Priests who served the Saints Peter and Paul parish and the Dormition parish

Most of the priests were not resident at Kayville, but lived elsewhere. They served at Kayville regularly or occasionally, and they were not all part of the Romanian Patriarchate.

Protosingel Benedict Iliescu (scroll to : p. 21)

Priest Filaret Gheorghiu (p. 23)

Priest Aurel Reu (p. 108)

Archimandrite Dionisie (Nichifor)

Priest Teofil Maxim

Priest Simeon Ivanoff

Priest Lazar Gherman

Priest Teodosie Nica (p. 17)

Priest Dumitru Erina (p. 57)

Priest John Diachina

Priest Ghenadie Gheorghiu (p. 59)

Priest Pavle Vulcu

Priest Teodosie Scaletschi

Priest John Pescari (p. 76)

Priest Peter Avram (1971)

Priest Alexandru Zaba (p. 100)

Priest Constantin Giofu (p. 109)

Priest Alexandru Suciu

Priest Dumitru Diaconescu (resident)

Priest Gheorghe Sandulescu

Priest Danut Cornel Suciu

Archpriest Andrew Piasta

Particular parish information

The parish of Saint Mary and Saints Peter and Paul is part of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada. The bishop is Bishop Ioan-Casian (Tunaru).

This parish follows the New (Revised Julian) Calendar.

The Altar-feast-days of this parish are the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (29 June), and the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (15 August).

Address :

Saint Mary and Saints Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church

PO Box #74

Kayville, Saskatchewan

S0H 2C0

GPS Coordinates : 49.78363, -105.12214

Directions :

The hamlet is located on Township Road #92, to the west of the junction of Township Road #92 and Highway #334.

From Moose Jaw :

Drive eastwards from Moose Jaw on the Trans-Canada Highway #1 until the junction with Highway #39. Take the exit to the right onto Highway #39, and drive southeastwards until the junction with Highway #339 (towards Briarcrest). Turn right onto Highway #339, and drive southwards and then eastwards until the junction with Highway #334 at Avonlea. Turn right onto Highway #334, and drive southwards until Kayville. Turn right onto Township Road #92, and drive through the hamlet. The Temple is on the left.

From Regina :

Drive southwards from Regina on Highway #6 until the junction with Highway #39. Continue on southwards until the junction with Highway #334 at Corinne. Turn right onto Highway #334, and drive westwards until it turns to the south at Avonlea. Continue southwards on Highway #334 until Kayville. Turn right onto Township Road #92, and drive through the hamlet. The Temple is on the left.

Archpriest Andrew Piasta

Telephone : 306-782-0113

E-mail : axios@sasktel.net

References

Bugea, Eleanor, “Romanians in Canada” (Michigan : Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, 2009). ISBN : 978-1-929200-14-6.

McLennan, David “Our Towns : Saskatchewan Communities from Abbey to Zenon Park” (Regina, Saskatchewan : Canadian Plains Research Center, 2008). ©2008 Canadian Plains Research Center. ISBN: 978-0-88977-209-0.

Sandulescu, Archpriest George,’'Saskatchewan’s Romanian Orthodox Communities Including Dysart, Wood Mountain, Kayville, Assiniboia, Pierceland, Regina’ in “SGS (Saskatchewan Genealogical Society) Bulletin”, vol. 19, no. 1, 1988.

Additional information :

Anderson, Alan, “Settling Saskatchewan” (Regina : University of Regina Press, 2013).

‘Archimandrite Eughenie (Ungurianu)’ in “Romanians in Canada”, pp. 89, 113.

Lutic, Les, “Prairie Pioneers – the Romanians”

Pacurariu, Mircea, ‘Romanian Christianity’ in “The Blackwell Companion to Eastern Christianity” (Oxford : John Wiley & Sons, 2007). ISBN 10 : 0631234233 ; ISBN 13 : 9780631234234.

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., “Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America” (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada listing

Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada web-site

Orthodoxwiki article about the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada

Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Romania

Wikipedia article about the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas

Patriarch (Saint) Tikhon (Belavin)

Metropolitan-Primate Conon (Arămescu-Donici)

Patriarch Miron (Cristea)

Patriarch Nicodim (Munteanu)

Patriarch Justin (Moisescu)

Patriarch Teoctist (Arăpașu)

Patriarch Daniel Ciobotea