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A History
The
first recorded settlers arrived in the Red Deer area in 1882. They were
located at the Old River Crossing, later known as the Old Timers' Picnic
Grounds, and now the site of the reconstructed Fort Normandeau. The first Anglican worship recorded was conducted in 1887 by Rev. W.C. Pinkham, Bishop of Saskatchewan and Calgary. It was held in the N. W.M. P. Barracks at the Crossing.
Between 1887 and 1893, Services were held in various locations, private homes, and the C. P. R. Station Waiting Room. These were conducted by travelling clergy. St. Luke's Parish was incorporated on May 27th, 1893, with F.W. Terry, F. Goodman, W.F. Webb, W.C. Pinkham, and S. Cobitt ministering to the Parish.
In November, 1899, Canon J Hinchliffe arrived in Red Deer as Rector of The Parish of St. Luke's. Schooled in England, he was an architect, and a master stonemason and carpenter.
St. Luke's Parish could not afford to pay for full time services of a priest; consequently, Canon Hinchliffe worked during the week at the Piper Brickyard.
Construction of the Church, under Canon Hinchliffe's supervision, began in late 1899. The congregation could not afford bricks from the Piper Yard, so sandstone from Francis Wilkin's quarry, located on what is now known as the Cronquist residential area, was cut and prepared by members of the Parish.
Canon Hinchliffe drew the plans for the Church, and did a lot of the work himself. The Gothic Revival style building was opened on November 4th, 1900, and fully completed in 1906.
The Church in 1903
Canon Hinchliffe's wife, Mary Anne, was born on St. Luke's day, October 18th, and it may be just a little more than coincidence that the Church was named after the Physician and Evangelist, Luke.
Canon Hinchliffe left St. Luke's in 1907, moving to British Columbia where he studied law. He later became Minister of Education and then Minister of Lands in the B.C. Government He died in 1954.
The first Parish Hall was built in 1913, and was used for many years, later sold to the Elks, followed by the Canadian Legion, and demolished in 1970. It was situated on Gaetz Avenue, north of the Church.
On March 21st, 1978, St. Luke's Church, one of the oldest buildings in Red Deer, was declared an Historic site by the Province of Alberta. A marker denoting this can be found outside the Church doors.
With assistance from the Province, the weathered sandstone underwent extensive refacing and replacing from 1978-1982, restoring the building to its original beauty. The stone was obtained from the same original location, along the Red Deer River.
In 1984 it became necessary to replace the entire floor of the Church. This was accomplished to its original style.
Celebrations were held in 1949 on the 50th Anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone, and on the 80th and 90th Anniversaries of the Parish in 1973 and 1983 respectively. The 100 Years Anniversary Celebrations were held in 1993.
The following is an excerpt from the 80th Anniversary booklet.
"The Anglican Church of St. Luke stands as a Beacon or a symbol of the history of the City of Red Deer. It has become a memorial to those who have devoted their services, time, and funds to erect a building to the Glory of God."
Our Rectors and Church leaders have been a source of inspiration over the years. Each ministry has left a lasting legacy.
More History ...
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On March 21st, 1978, St. Luke's Church, one of the oldest buildings in Red Deer, was declared an Historic site by the Province of Alberta. A marker denoting this can be found outside the Church doors.
"The Anglican Church of St. Luke stands as a Beacon or a symbol of the history of the City of Red Deer. It has become a memorial to those who have devoted their services, time, and funds to erect a building to the Glory of God."
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