UPDATE: Jasper United Church and its manse were also destroyed in the fire, Northern Spirit Regional Council confirms. Those looking to support relief efforts can donate to the region’s emergency relief fund. Instructions on how to donate are here.
A devastating wildfire in Jasper, Alta., has destroyed the historic St. Mary & St. George Anglican Church, built in 1928.
Modelled after a blueprint for a 14th-century English Gothic Church and designed by Canadian architect A.M. Calderon, the church was named a historic resource in 1985 by the Alberta Ministry of Culture. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip also visited it in 2001.
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In a Facebook post, bishop Stephen London, with the Anglican Church of Canada’s Diocese of Edmonton, confirmed the destruction of St. Mary & St. George, as well as “the homes and livelihoods of the whole community.” Though no deaths have been reported, the fire has wiped out an estimated 30 to 50 percent of Jasper’s structures, according to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
Mourning the destruction of the church, London’s post also called attention to the rich history of Jasper’s Anglican community, writing that “Jasper Anglicans held their first worship services in a tent, in 1909.” According to the church’s website, they graduated from a tent to a small boxcar, which they received as a donation in 1913. The following year, in 1914, a log church was constructed.
Fourteen years later, in 1928, the Gothic-inspired St. Mary & St. George Anglican Church was constructed. This building was home to Jasper’s Anglican community for 96 years.
London’s post also highlighted the community impact of the church over the last several years. In 2022, St. Mary & St. George people’s warden Nancy Addison launched a local campaign to help Ukrainians fleeing conflict resettle in Jasper. Additionally, the basement of St. Mary & St. George has been home to Jasper’s local food bank.
“Jasper is a special place, a place where people have said they feel closest to God. We are all heartbroken. There are no words,” London wrote.
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Amarah Hasham-Steele is a summer intern at Broadview, based in Toronto.
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