THE IMMACULATE GROTTO CONCEPT

I came upon these seemingly archaic constructions while researching gravel road cycling routes. Located about 27 kilometers north of the Rosewood abode where I was raised, the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes are two impressive buildings‎ to behold. Given their grandure, and the lack of any other notable  structures on the surrounding prairies, they seem very out of place.


Designed by Reverend Phillip Ruh, O.M.I.* (1883 - 1962), the construction of the church commenced in 1930, and was elaborately painted by local amateur artists at the time of completion in 1938. Reverend Ruh passed away before the consumation of the adjoining Grotto and was layed to rest in the neighboring cemetery.


*O.M.I.: Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate