Markerville the home of Stephan G. Stephansson |
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The only Icelandic church in Alberta |
The Icelandic Lutheran Church at Markerville
The Markerville Lutheran Church is the only Icelandic Lutheran church built in Alberta, in fact the only Icelandic church
in Alberta. Markerville is located about half way between the Cities of Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta. The village was built
along the banks of the Medicine River. The original name of the community was Tindastoll.
The Icelandic district at Markerville was really two subdistricts, Hola in the north and Tindastoll in the south that
were located very close together. The first settlers arrived in 1888. They were primarily from North Dakota. Among these settlers
was Stephan G. Stephansson a famous and respected poet who remained in the community until his death in August of 1927.
The Lutheran congregation at Markerville was officially organized on 30 January 1900 and joined the Icelandic Synod the
same year on 15 November 1900. They built their church by volunteer labor beginning in 1906 and completing it 25 May 1907.
The foundation was of local sandstone. The bell tower and bell were added later.
The church held fairly regular services until 1963 when the last regular worship service was held. Since then the church
has been used only for special services such as Christmas and Easter, and for weddings and funeral ceremonies. The church
has been maintained over the years since 1963 by Vonin, a very dedicated Icelandic womens organization.
The one other Lutheran congregation organized in Alberta was in Edmonton. This group organized in August of 1906 and joined
the Synod the next year. They ceased to be a congregation in 1921.
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