(Facebook/Megan Scragg)

By Nigel Maxwell

Fire investigation

Historic church north of Prince Albert destroyed by fire

Feb 22, 2025 | 5:00 PM

An historic church that’s been standing for over 100 years has been consumed by fire.

Around 11 p.m. Friday, the Garden River fire department was called to the Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, better known to many locals as The Polish Church. It’s located about 25 minutes from Prince Albert.

Though abandoned for decades, this church had stood since 1910 in the Claytonville District of Garden River and has been a recognizable landmark, visible for miles.

(Facebook/Megan Scragg)

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, local community members believe it was deliberately set. According to a social media post by Rural Municipality of Garden River Reeve Ryan Scragg, the church was a piece of local history—one that connected generations to the early settlers who built it.

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“To think that someone would indiscriminately destroy this piece of our heritage is beyond frustrating. Whether you had a personal connection to the church or simply appreciated it as part of our landscape, its loss is deeply felt. If anyone has information about what happened, I encourage you to come forward,” he said.

The unused building was located five kilometres south of Highway 55 in the RM of Garden River.

RCMP confirmed on Monday that the building was empty at the time and no one was injured in the blaze.

They also confirmed they are investigating the fire as suspicious.

Prince Albert RCMP are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of the church on the evening of February 21, or who has information about the fire, to report it to police by calling 310-RCMP.

Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social