A Christian and Missionary Alliance Church was organized in Estevan at a meeting held on February 19, 1960.

Rev. Melvin Sylvester was accepted as the first pastor and the church was located in the former Trinity Lutheran Church building on Fourth Street.

Succeeding pastors included Rev. R. Allers, Rev. J. Jesperson (now in Ivory Coast, West Africa) Rev. C. D. House and presently Pastor Don Kinnie.

Due to the need for increased Sunday School facilities the church was moved to its present location at 1005 Second Street in 1964.

The first church board consisted of J. Mitchell, Clayton Gall, Stan Daker, Paul Foulton, W. L. Young.

The Apostolic Mission Church at Estevan was opened by Rev. and Mrs. H. O. McColl as an independent church in September, 1929, in Estevan town hall.

After a series of services a mission church was established in the Ellis building on Fourth Street where the Royal Canadian Legion hall now stands. One year later the mission church was moved to the Grain Growers' building on the comer of Fourth Street and Thirteenth Avenue. In these premises the Mission Church continued for eighteen years.

Through the years of drought and depression the Apostolic Mission Church carried on as it was established-on free will offerings.

It was necessary to establish a new church home in 1946. During the ensuing months a basement was constructed and services were then held in this new structure directly across from the Legion hall. In due course a fine brick and tile building was completed with the church suite being part of the main structure. Here the services of the church continue.

The Apostolic Mission Church has now been in Estevan for thirty-eight years in September, 1967, with Rev. and Mrs. McColl continuing as pastors during the entire period.

While the Jewish synagogue in Estevan was sold to the town and became a suitable home for the rapidly expanding public library, its name was not erased from worldly records. Rather, the name was transferred many thousands of miles away to become a lasting memorial to the generosity of the members of the faith in Estevan, whose numbers had been reduced so drastically that continuation of regular services could not be maintained.

The proceeds from the sale of the building were sent to Israel to erect another synagogue there which is most fittingly named Estevan Beth-Jacob.

In the earlier years of Estevan's history the local members of the Jewish faith attended services in Hirsch where there was a resident rabbi. Then as their numbers increased services were held in Estevan in rented locations. A permanently placed rabbi came in 1915 and remained until 1932. At that time there were over 30 families in the congregation.

The Beth-Jacob synagogue was built in 1927 at the corner of 1lth Avenue and 3rd Street. It was a substantial brick building with full basement. The ark for holding the holy scrolls was made in Montreal and was donated by N. Bronfman.

Beginning in 1933 a rabbi came from Regina to hold high holiday services and in 1943 Weyburn Jewish families came to Estevan to take part in them.

At the present time there are only five families in Estevan.

The building was sold to the town in 1957. The ark was returned to Montreal and is now in use in a synagogue there.

The remaining officers of the congregation are H. J. Clasky, president and Len Dragushan, secretary.

After the turn of the century Estevan became a sort of clearing house for Jews who were able to escape the pogroms so prevalent in southwest Russia and made their way to Canada. It was then that Jewish colonies were established at Hirsch and Hoffer with Estevan their main trading center.

One by the name of Singer operated a boarding house from 1905 to 1939 which became the most patronized stopping place for Jewish travellers. The house still stands on 6th Street, owned and occupied by S. Mork.

The Free Methodist Church was established in Estevan in 1907 with Rev. R. H. Hamilton and Rev. F. M. Weese as the first pastors.

The congregation continues to worship on the first site chosen on 3rd Street, though the original building has been enlarged and remodelled several times to serve an increasing number of members and adherents.

One of the original members who took an exceedingly active interest in the work of the church, was Mrs. Hester Hodgson. She was a true pioneer. As a widow she came with her family from Ontario and homesteaded in the district in 1902, on the land now occupied by Manford Drader.

Other early members prominent for their interest and support of the church in its earlier years were Peter Holmgren, E. Snyder, Mrs. Westover, Anton Carlberg, T. G. Patterson, John Robinson, John Holmgren, C. B. Garratt, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Bastian.

The present official board members are Ken Appleby, Henry Knox, Wayne Garratt, Ted Beach, Duane Holmgren and Cliff Holmgren.

The retiring minister is Rev. W. Whitsell. He is being succeeded by Rev. Kenneth Burton, son of William Burton, a former Estevan businessman.

The establishment of the International Bible College by the Church of God at Outram in 1947 when former buildings of the Royal Air Force were obtained for that purpose, brought about the forming of a congregation in Estevan in 1949. Incidentally the College was moved to Moose Jaw in 1962.

Rev. J. A. Brost was instrumental in calling a meeting September 4, 1949, when it was decided to build a church in Estevan. The basement was dug that fall and the building completed in 1950.

In addition to members of the church living in the area adjacent to Estevan quite a number were students at the college who came from many different places in Saskatchewan. The first recorded members were: Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Sovdi, Reuben Sovdi, Dallas Yergens, Larry Blondeau, Miss Janet Ellingson, Mrs. Miller, Miss Anita Eldstrom, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Hurren, Miss Zelda Cumming, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hurren, Kenneth Pederman, Miss Gayle Barnstable, Mrs. Sam Horner, Jack Harris.

Pastors ministering to the congregation have been Rev. Robert Ressor, now in India; Rev. Ernest Pennington, now high school principal of the College in Moose Jaw; Rev. Arthur Espinall, now pastor and the present incumbent, Rev. Jerold Daniels.

Organizations within the Estevan congregation are junior Young People's Endeavor; Sunday School with Ed. Garratt as superintendent; Ladies' Willing Worker Band, Mrs. Daniels, president.

Every summer young people from 8 to 18 years attend a youth camp.

There are 21 families in the congregation.

The work of the Gospel Hall in Estevan began seventy-two years ago in 1895. At the invitation of John McLeod, Evangelist William M. Rae came to conduct meetings. These quotations from Mr. Rae's letters of a few years ago are quite informative. He wrote: "Estevan seemed rather small then," and "all I firmly remember of that time was the celebration of my 21st birthday when the first campaign was on there. Brother Ernest Smith and I carried on with real encouragement for souls were virtually saved every night for some weeks."

Mr. Rae died less than a year ago at the age of 92.

The first meeting place was a small building on Fifth Street. Later meetings were held in what was more recently known as the Mandel building.

First active people in the work were the Lindsay family, Mr. and Mrs. John McLeod, Mr. and Mrs. William Johnston and Mr. George Pawson. Shortly after these were joined by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hogman, Mr. and Mrs. George Newton, Mr. and Mrs. John Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stubbs, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ward, E. R. and George Davis families.

The Gospel Hall was built on its present location at the corner of Second Street and Twelfth Avenue about 1906. It was later moved on to a concrete basement. Renovations, improvements and changes have been made but it is still the same stalwart frame structure as it was sixty years ago.

Work of the Gospel Hall has been carried on through many years by men of the assembly. During the 1930s a Sunday school was conducted for three years. The Hall was used extensively by the Bible school and services were conducted by the McMillan Brothers and Peter Sawatsky. In 1946 W. E. Streight was student pastor for the summer. He was followed by C. E. Bayley who served as pastor for six years. G. A. Hogman returned to his native Estevan to pastor the work for thirteen and a half years. The present pastor, D. W. Hogman recently returned to assume pastoral duties.

Many new faces have appeared throughout the years and some have gone and though some may look back only thirty, forty or fifty years, each still takes pleasure in recalling the pioneer days of evangelistic service rendered by Estevan Gospel Hall.

This church, affiliated with Apostolic Church of Pentecost of Canada is the youngest of all churches in Estevan. Its first service was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Goertz on December 26, 1965 with Rev. R. A. Larden, Canadian Field Representative as interim pastor.

Rev. G. R. Reid became its first resident pastor in February, 1966. The same year the former Alliance Church on Fourth Street was purchased. Services were held there for a time and the building was finally moved to King Street in Hillside.

Dedication services were conducted March 27, 1967, with Dr. D. W. Breen, of Moose Jaw as the guest minister. A teen-age choir from Grenfell led the singing.

First deacons were Steve Goertz, G. Frey, Chas. Collins. The present board of deacons are: G. Frey, Chas. Collins and E. J. Fox.

While no established church services have been conducted in Estevan by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, members have carried on home Sunday Schools since 1956.

These were first held in the home of Grant Spaakman until 1957 when the home of Harry Robertson was used. Then in 1960 the schools were held in the home of Gerry Ursenbachs.

At present Estevan members attend services of the Weyburn branch of the Church.

Following church union in 1921, a number of members of Westminster church carried on as a continuing Presbyterian congregation. Without a church building services were held in the Economy Store building until in 1931 the congregation erected a new structure on the corner of Third Street and Souris Avenue which is its present place of worship. Prominent in the task of promoting the building were C. C. Smith and Wm. Nichol.

The first minister in the new church was Rev. J. Frye.

Records for some years are not available but since 1948 the following have served in the ministry: Rev. J. McCartney, H. E. Ottley, Rev. E. R. Hakes, Rev. Alan Beaton, Rev. Peter McKague, Anthony Perrin. Rev. R. D. Mulchey, of Weyburn, as interimmoderator has occupied the pulpit at times when supply has not been available. The present minister is Rev. Patrick D. G. Kerr who came from Agincourt, Ontario, on September 1 of this year.

Elders comprising the present session are J. D. Sissons, Robert Dundee and Herb Mohns. J. D. Sissons is secretary.

For many years Miss Grace Kellington was secretary and her services to Sunday School and choir were most noteworthy, in recognition of which she was presented with a life membership in the Woman's Missionary Society.

The Salvation Army was officially started by Brigadier McLean in 1914, with Captain Mary English and Lieutenant Todhunter in charge.

Meeting first in the Musgrave hall for regular religious services, the first Roman Catholic church building was later purchased and placed on the corner of Third Street and Eleventh Avenue. In 1949 the Presbyterian stonechurch was acquired and in which services have been held since.

Among those who were active members of the Army during its earliest days in Estevan were Mr. and Mrs. G. Smallshaw, Wm. Marshall, Mrs. T. Brailsford, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Lyons, Ishmael Cunnah and family.

Importance was placed on Army brass bands in those times. The first Army band numbered about nine players with Ishmael Cunnah as bandmaster. Later his son Samuel took over with an average of twelve instrumentalists.

When George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited in Regina the Estevan Salvation Army Band was invited to play on the parade route. At that time there was no other band in Estevan and it filled many engagements at sports days held throughout the district.

Throughout the years, one and sometimes two, officers have been stationed here, all carrying on the work in harmony with the best traditions of the Army.

Present officer in charge is Lieutenant W. H. Cummings, late of Toronto.

At first named Estevan Baptist Church when it was organized in 1908 it was renamed Stirling Baptist Church in appreciation of a generous donation from Baptist friends in Stirling, Scotland, on the completion of its first edifice.

Though Rev. J. A. Morple, a missionary, held services in Estevan in 1903 and building lots were purchased with Dr. D. R. Davies, F. J. Musgrave and Chas. Bailey as trustees, it was not until six years later that the early confidence in the future was rewarded.

The church was organized in June, 1908, at a meeting held in Musgrave hall.

Bros. Hill, Bird and Rockwood were elected deacons, Dr. Davies secretary-treasurer: These four, together with W. J. Jacques formed the finance committee. Until the opening of the new church building, November 16, 1909, services were held in the Methodist church.

D. R. Poole of Brandon College was student pastor at that time.

For some years the congregation depended on student pastors from Brandon College though with a growing congregation ordained ministers were called from 1910 on including Rev. E. J. Chave, Rev. Tough, Rev. G. A. Black, Rev. E. Turner, Rev. E. J. Bridgeman and Rev. W. Taylor. Mrs. Turner was an ordained minister and conducted services on several occasions.

At a social evening held on Nov. 24, 1919, the first mortgage was burned with Mrs. Jas. Ingram, president of the Ladies' Aid, touching the lighted match to the document.

The next minister, Rev. H. J. Jenkins, held services in several of the district school houses.

He was followed by student pastors and in 1925 Mr. Freeman, a teacher in Estevan High School conducted services. He later became a professor at McMaster University. The same year Rev. A. Russell was called and the church enlarged to its present size.

Student pastors following were C. Smith, Gordon Telton, D. Howland and R. F. Filer all from Brandon College.

Then came Rev. R. Watson, Rev. E. H. Lewis, Rev. J. E. Smith, Rev. J. Bingham, Dr. Johnson, Rev. E. H. Ellis, Rev. D. Haight, Rev. R. M. Bourke, Pastor L. McDougal, W. Killam, Rev. A. J. Clarke, Rev. D. Wiebe and the present minister Rev. L. Kennedy.

The congregation is proud of its younger members who entered the ministry and mission work. The first young man to be ordained was Rev. Walter Bridges; then Rev. Ken Knight, now a missionary in India. Miss Lina Smallshaw, a graduate of Brandon College, became, in 1934, the first Baptist lady missionary in Saskatchewan.

Chairman of the present board is Donald Knight; secretary, Ray Tener. Deacons are Gordon Burroughs, John Farmer, Alvin White.

Mrs. N. Murray is president of the Women's Group and Mrs. D. Knight, clerk.

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the church in 1933 a memorial plaque was dedicated in memory of charter members and friends and following World War Two another plaque was installed in memory of members of the church who volunteered for active service with Canadian fighting forces.

Then in 1953, on October 18, an organ was dedicated in memory of World War veterans and others who passed on.

Other memorials in the church are: communion table in memory of Mr. and Mrs. G. Smallshaw; communion set and pulpit lamp in memory of Mrs. M. Mathieson; hymn books in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wilkinson; Gestetner machine in memory of Mrs. Flora Ross; choir gowns in memory of Mr. F. Rupple; serving tables in memory of Mr. Art Jacques.

The history of St. Giles church carries on its pages memoirs of the pioneer days when a trickle of new settlers began to move in and Estevan was only a tent and shack village.

It pictures the devotion of the church in carrying out missionary effort; the long drives in all kinds of weather over prairie miles by devoted clergymen eager to administer religious service to different communities; the labors of parishioners in assembling the least expensive building material-stone-to erect the edifice they desired, for they could devote hours of labor to fill a void created by the absence of money.

For those years were years of hardship, poverty and isolation whose cruelties were only softened by infrequent human contacts and a fixed hope of better conditions to come.

Anglican services were first held in Estevan when the Rev. Canon Cartwright of Cannington Manor opened a mission here in 1890.

The field was first established in 1892 when services were held in the open by Rev. Guy Terry, who had homesteaded at Shand. He shortly after resigned temporarily from the exercise of his ministry so that he might prove up his homestead.

The first resident incumbent of the mission of Estevan was Rev. T. Cunliffe who was appointed by Bishop Burns of Qu'Appelle. Four candidates were received into communion when the first confirmation was held.

It was then the parishioners began to gather stone and other building material for the first church. It was built on the lot now occupied by the rectory, completed and dedicated in 1895 under the patronage of St. Matthew.

The congregation expanded rapidly. Rev. Guy Terry returned as incumbent in 1898. It is of more than ordinary interest to note that in 1950 a bay in a north Saskatchewan lake had been named Terry Bay in recognition of his services s a pioneer clergyman.

He was followed by Rev. Jas. Williams in 1904 and during his incumbency the Women's Auxiliary, in addition to providing many improvements to the church, purchased a vicarage.

Rev. W. Sandilands succeeded him in 1909.

Canon Pratt was appointed vicar in 1913 and the following year St. Matthew's parish became self-sustaining and was made a rectory. In 1917 Rev. John Swalwell became rector and the old stone church was removed with services being held in Central school pending a completion of a new church. A new rectory was built on the cleared site of the stone church.

As a thank-offering for the ending of World War One, the Parish of St. Giles, Oxford, England, in 1919, offered six hundred and fifty pounds sterling (at that time approximately $3,000) on condition that the name of the new church in Estevan be named St. Giles. In the parent church at Oxford there is a large polished brass plaque with the names of its members who died in the First World War and mention that the memorial took the form of a donation towards the new church at Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The offer was accepted and under the new rector, Rev. M. A. F. Gustance, the present church was built and completed in 1920. Four ancient stained glass windows in the chancel were donated by St. Giles, Oxford.

The cornerstone was laid on October 3, 1919, with the ceremonies conducted by brethren of the Estevan Lodge, A.F. & A.M. and officers of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan.

On the same occasion a second stone was laid bearing the following inscription: "In memorial of those of this Parish and Parish of St. Giles, Oxford, England, who fell in the Great War 1914-18 and as a thank-offering to Almighty God for a victorious peace. This stone was laid by Rev. (Capt.) C. J. S. Stuart (M.C.). Oct. 3, 1919."

Other rectors since include Revs. J. C. Irwin, A. E. Burgett (afterwards Bishop of Edmonton), C. Harrington, C. Holthouse, Jessop, W. Jackson, Harrison Hill, Remington Walker, Hugh Christmas, Wm. C. McVean, Dunstan Partorfield and the present incumbent Canon J. H. H. Watts.

The present church wardens are D. A. Perry and H. F. Williams.

Many memorials grace the interior of St. Giles adding sanctity and beauty to its atmosphere. Among these are the following:

Window of two lights "in memory of the men of the Souris coalfields who died and in honour of those who served" in the First World War, erected by their fellow workers.

Plaque giving names of the "soldiers of the Souris Valley who fell in the Great War," erected by the Brookes of the Pound Farm.

Lectern in memory of Alan Stanley Clark Rogers, given by his sister.

Sanctuary chair in memory of Sgt. Harold A. J. Lackey.

Missal Stand in memory of C. B. and H. M. Nicholl, given by their sister, Jane O'Lea.

Alms Bason in memory of Capt. E. Ellis, M.D., R.A.M.C., given by his son Claude.

Plaque giving names of twelve men who died while on active service at the R.A.F. station, Estevan, during Second World War. Erected by their comrades.

Window in memory of The Rev. I. H. Lackey and Agnes Buchanan Lackey. Installed by James and Lepha Lackey.

Window of two lights in memory of George Spence Robinson, given by his wife and children.

Pulpit in memory of Ernest Harold and Mary Neilson Scott, given by their children.

Font in memory of Irene Elaine Manlove.

Font Ewer in memory of Major G. R. Matthews.

Plaque in memory of George James Matthews "beloved pastor of this parish 1913-16".

Organ in memory of Lepha Lackey given by James Lackey.

Green silk eucharistic vestments in memory of Wesley Lloyd (Paddy) Giem.

Purple silk eucharistic vestments in memory of Josephine Farmer and Gertrude Cox.

Pews are individual gifts and memorials made in 1954.

The parish was established under the patronage of St. John the Baptist in 1903, when Estevan was still a village. Father Luyten, who had but recently come from Holland, was appointed the first pastor. The construction of one of the first churches in southeastern Saskatchewan was achieved under his leadership and this was later moved to Macoun where it still serves as a church for the Catholics of that district.

The first rectory was built in 1904 and served as a residence for Estevan priests for some years until another house was purchased from the Dr. Davies estate. This became the rectory for nearly sixty years when it was demolished on the completion of the present one built in 1966.

By April 1905 out-missions were conducted at Oxbow, Torquay and Tribune, all served by the LaSallete Fathers. Until 1941 thee were many changes among the officiating priests. Among those most frequently mentioned in baptismal records were Fathers Kuonen, Dupraz, Michel, Socquet, Cruvellier, Platier, Richard, Bleaulieu, DeBusschere, Breault and Father Braught who was the last to serve.

In 1941 the LaSallete Fathers were replaced by secular priests and Monsignor Hughes was appointed pastor and remained for thirteen years. He was aided by several assistant priests, among them being Fathers Schlosser, Sterk, Hogan, Albers, Vandendriessche and Charette.

Monsignor Hughes was followed by Father Mulligan who had assistants at various times, Fathers Lucy, Finnan and Abello.

The present pastor is Father Godin with Father Abello as assistant.

With population growth Estevan became part of the new diocese of Regina in 1910. A new church building was planned for which a basement was completed in September, 1914, of a size anticipated to meet future needs.

One circumstance after another, including the First World War and the depression years of the 1930s, delayed the completion of the structure.

While this was disappointing the delay finally proved a blessing for with the unexpected growth of the city the parish grew to be one of the largest in the Diocese.

It was found necessary to build a larger church than was originally planned and by 1955 conditions and times were favorable to proceed with its erection.

Accordingly the basement was enlarged and on its walls was built an edifice costing in the neighborhood of $300,000 with seating for 630 worshippers. It is one of the finest of its size in the province and architecturally is a most impressive structure.

Under Father Godin's direction, a new rectory connected with the building was completed in 1966.

One of the earliest organists was Mrs. Louise Laroque and following her were Miss Margaret Loughlin, Mrs. J. E. Loughlin and W. J. Perkins, Q.C., the latter with a record of 27 years of continuous service. He was followed by Mrs. Matt Gedak and the present organist Mrs. Gisi.

The Catholic Women's League was organized on April 24, 1931, with Mrs. Florence Morin as president, Mrs. Paul Kusmire as secretary and Father Richards as acting director. The ladies worked exceptionally hard during the 1930s stirred by the objective of completing the church building. Money was raised at bazaars, fowl suppers, booth at fair grounds, etc. In 1938 a room was furnished at the hospital.

Unfortunately the organization came to a standstill for several years and was reorganized on August 17, 1947 when Mrs. Vera Mack became president, Miss Victoria Kurczaba secretary and Msgr, Hughes director. With the completion of the church and general increase in prosperity the League was enabled to make larger contributions towards the church and at the present time is carrying out a more spiritual and educational program.

The present slate of League officers are: Director, Father C. S. Godin; president, Mrs. Isabella Parent; secretary Mrs. Kae Wanner; treasurer, Mrs. Alice Burlinguette; 1st vice-president, Mrs. Dianne Bouthillier; 2nd vice-president, Mrs. Molly Heier; 3rd vice-president Mrs. Madge Aabol.

Other executive members are: Mrs. Bertha Grandbois, Mrs. Katherine Barnstable, Mrs. Pauline Petes, Mrs. Clara Warmer, Mrs. Kay Michalishen, Mrs. Hilda Claude, Mrs. Bernice Hank, Mrs. Marie Crumly, Mrs. Marie Walliser.

Twin roots, planted at the same time and with no thought that they would eventually become one, formed the beginning of St. Paul's Church, Estevan.

These roots were the Presbyterian and Methodist congregations both established in the same year-1892-with the history of each following a most unusually common pattern.

Both denominations for some years lacked a permanent place of worship, a circumstance prevailing throughout the mission fields on the prairies. Both held services in homes, halls and in the original section of Central school.

Each had a succession of students and ordained ministers serving their congregations. Each suffered from early economic reverses and shifting population.

During the years 1902 and 1903 each erected a church building and in retrospect it seems that their respective locations were but a foretoken of an important event that was to come a quarter of a century later.

The two edifices were just across the street from each other on corners of Third Street and Twelfth Avenue.

The stone church built by the Presbyterians was named Westminster church.

The frame church, erected by the Methodists, on the site of the present United Church, was named Trinity. In 1907 an addition was made to it and remains part of the present building.

When fire damaged the interior of Trinity Church in 1920, the Presbyterian congregation extended an invitation to the Methodist people to worship in Westminster Church until the damaged building could be repaired.

This was the beginning of closer communion between them. It seemed that local union had been foreordained when in turn a fire in 1921 damaged the interior of Westminster Church.

This brought about negotiations leading to union, four years before the national alliance of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational churches in Canada.

Those entrusted with drawing up a basis of union were T. A. Torgeson, T. A. Perry and Mr. Robb of the Methodist Church and August Henneberg, M. L. Clendenan and A. E. McKay of the Presbyterian Church. Their recommendations were promptly approved by the governing bodies of both denominations.

It was decided that the first minister should be a Presbyterian and Rev. R. D. Finlayson received the call. The congregation assumed the name of Estevan United Church but in 1932 this was changed to St. Paul's United Church.

The first elders to form the session were judge E. R. Wylie, W. T. Moore, H. A. Nash, W. H. Baker, August Henneberg, Mr. Robb, A. F. Milne, J. H. Chisholm and Jas. Ward.

So that all activities might be carried on in one building, the stone church was sold to the Salvation Army in 1949 and a substantial addition was made to St. Paul's. This was in use by November of the same year though rededication services were not held until May 7, 1950.

It was in 1947 that the century-old tenet forbidding the appointment of women to any office involved with the spiritual oversight of a congregation was discarded by the United Church of Canada.

That year Mrs. Gordon Gallaway and Miss Helen Rattray were elected to the session to become the first lady elders of St. Paul's. Others elected since are Mrs. D. L. Irvine, Mrs. May Campbell, Mrs. D. A. Bannatyne, Mrs. A. V. Wallin, Miss Lillian Eremko,, Mrs. Clara Storey and Mrs. Elaine Pettigrew.

To keep pace with the needs of a growing congregation in the fields of Sunday School and young people's activities, property was acquired in the fourteenth block of Third Street on which an education building costing $154,000 was erected in 1963. Space remains on the site for a new church building for which a fund is now being accumulated. The first Christian education director engaged was Mrs. M. Hannah. She was succeeded by E. W. Paw.

Throughout the years the congregations of Methodist and Presbyterian and then St. Paul's churches have had man members most active in their different departments. To attempt to list them all would be a task prone to omission and other error.

Yet one minute in the Methodist records is a truly representative and revealing one, through emphasizing the contribution made by lay members in the earlier days. This minute states that local preachers having their licenses renewed in 1908 were E. Gough, A. Rogers, Major Wellock, G. Gallaway, J. Lamb and L. Cowling.

For length of individual service none exceeds the record of T. A. Perry. He first sang in the Methodist choir in 1908, later led the Presbyterian choir for a time and is still a member of St. Paul's choir.

Another member with a long service record is T. A. Torgeson with forty years as chairman of the board of stewards, a position he resigned in 1966.

St. Paul's church has nine memorial stain glass windows. Following the First World War one was installed in memory of those who had made the supreme sacrifice and later another was unveiled in memory of the pioneers.

Donated by relatives are those in the memory of Sadie Lee, Mr. and Mrs. August Henneberg, Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Grundeen, Freda Hanson and Pilot Officer R. W. B. Carey who was reported missing on July 13, 1944, during the Second World War.

The Friendship Circle installed one in memory of members of The Women's Association and the Young Ladies' Club another in memory of departed members.

Innumberable donations have been made directly to various church funds by relatives and friends, these being Ina Grafton Home, Prairie Christian Training Center, Communion Service Trays, Ministry of Music, Hymnaries, Missions, Pianos, Building Fund and Memorial Organ. The latter was installed in 1952.

Ministers and students who served as pastors in the Methodist church from 1892 to 1921 were Joseph Robinson, Rev. Andrew Galley, Samuel P. Riddell, T. E. Taylor, John Scott, Harold J. Galley, Frank Tate, Warren Rothwell, R. S. Anderson, Rev. Charles Endicott, Jesse Arnup, Rev. H. G. Cairns, Rev. S. L. Morton, Rev. J. B. Taylor, Rev. A. E. Davis, Rev. J. W. Atkins, Rev. J. C. Hartley.

Serving the Presbyterian church until union were Rev. Mr. Gunn, Rev. J. Knox Clark, W. J. Sharpe, W. H. Stevenson, Rev. B. Glover, Rev. S. O. Nixon, Rev. W. J. McIvor.

Ordained ministers serving the Estevan United Church were R. D. Finlayson and L. E. Berry and serving St. Paul's United Church from 1925 on were C. B. Lawson, M. C. McDonald, P. T. Dennis, H. A. Mutchmor, R. W. K. Elliott, Frank H. Morgan, E. A. King and M. Ryan.

Former members now ordained are Rev. Dale Cuming, Rev. James Perry, Rev. W. Hogman. Other members now candidates for the ministry are R. Jevons and G. Kennedy, B.A.

St. Paul's congregation has a total of 720 members.

Thirty-eight elders comprise the session. The Board of Stewards has 21 members.

Trinity Lutheran Church, first named Zoar Congregation, had its beginning in January, 1913, when a group of people met at the home of Ole Tvensberg for divine service with Rev. C. J. Studum as Pastor.

The first organizational meeting was held in November, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jacobson were charter members. Ten families joined at that time.

In 1925 the congregation was reorganized and designated as Zoar Evangelical Lutheran Congregation.

In 1930 it was renamed Trinity Norwegian Lutheran. Services were held at different times in St. Paul's United Church, Stirling Baptist Church, rented buildings and homes including that of Mrs. Minor Hildahl.

In July, 1939, J. Marken fixed up a small building on 4th Street and this was the first permanent home of the congregation To accommodate a growing membership a section of an airport building was obtained in 1948 and moved into town. Remodelling was done on this structure but by 1958 it was realized that a much larger edifice was needed.

In 1959 four lots were purchased at the corner of 2nd Street and 8th Avenue and construction of the new building was begun in May, with the basement being installed by men of the church wheeling concrete in barrows and pouring it into the forms. They moved almost 200 cubic yards in one day. The edifice completed is valued at $130,000.

The cornerstone was laid on September 30, 1960, and the building dedicated June 4, 1961 with Dr. K. Holfeld, President of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada preaching the sermon. Rev. G. I. Hope and Rev. J. B. Stolee, former pastors, took part in the service.

Memorial gifts, together with the names in whose memory the gifts were made, were: Altar, Walter Sandstrom; Cross, Chris Mandt; Pulpit, Mrs. Sina Vigdal; Baptismal Font, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Hildakl; Lectern, John Jacobson; Altar Railing, Snaasen Congregation.

Pastors who served the congregation from 1916 were: Rev. J. C. Studum, Rev. J. T. Langley, Rev. P. P. Hauglum, Rev. Johan Hillard, Rev. J. B. Stolee, Rev. Milo Lee, Rev. C. L. Jothen, Rev. S. Bue, Rev. Gordon Hope, Rev. A. W. Erickson, Rev. J. F. Haugen. The present pastor, Rev. C.M. Cherland, came in the summer of 1964.

President of the Church Council at the time of dedication was Rev. J. F. Haugen. Other officers were: Vice-President, Alton Finstad; Secretary, Lyle Aeichale; Treasurer, Palmer Hansen; Financial Secretary, Clifford Finstad.

Deacons were: C. L. Lindgren, I. Skurveit, John Jacobson, Steiner Knutson, John Chapman, Jorgan Ivarson. Trustees were: Ole Haukness, Henry Hildahl, Norman Vall, Clifford Finstad, Vern Pace, Elvin Haukness.

Board of Education members were: Carl Hansen, Mrs. C. L. Lindgren, Erling Tangjerd.

Mrs. Walter Fichtemann was organist and Mrs. J. F. Haugen, choir director.

Custodian ,as Mrs. A. Chelstar. Brotherhood President, Jorgen G. Ivarson; W.M.F. President, Mrs. Elving Haukness; Luther League President, Marlis Shelstad.

Total membership in 1966 was 650. The budget for that year was $40,300.

While in the earlier days, particularly in the rural churches, services were in the Norwegian language. English is the language used in Trinity Lutheran Church.

A record of Trinity Lutheran is not complete without reference to the Snaasen congregation which was organized in 1904 with Pastor Peterson leading. It established the first roots of Lutheran faith in the Estevan area. It was one of a five call circuit extending as far away as Wilcox.

Its share of the minister's salary in the beginning was $75 per year. It survived the "dirty thirties" even with offerings at some services as little as 85c but in 1956 the congregation, with its church 10 miles north and 3 miles west of Estevan, decided to join Trinity Lutheran of Estevan.

The church building was sold to the German Lutherans at Lampman but the little cemetery with its headstones carrying the names of deceased early pioneers still remains on the old site.

Another congregation which joined Trinity in 1950 was Zion, organized in 1921. lt served the Bienfait-Hirsch area with services held in Lignite school.

Those women taking an active part in the church work, first as members of the Ladies' Aid (latterly Women's Missionary Federation) were as follows: Snaasen-Mrs. L. Fryk, Mrs. L. P. Brovold and Mrs. C. Cronquist. Zion-Mrs. C. Mandt, Mrs. I. Christensen, Mrs. K. Finstad. Trinity-Mrs. C. J. Stadum, Mrs. Henry Jacobson, Mrs. Minor Hildahl, Mrs. Arne Vestre.

Trinity Lutheran Brotherhood was organized in 1954 with A. R. Berglof as first president. One of its main interests is with the boys of the church and promoting youth activities.

A Luther League was organized in 1946 with Mrs. H. Nelson as advisor. Among the first officers were Bernice LaCoste, Ethel Finstad, Amanada Tanjerd and Helen Ellingson.

An important movement among all Lutheran Churches in Canada was finalized on January 1, 1967, when Norwegian, Danish and German congregations united to become the Lutheran Church of Canada. The administration of this body will be carried on in Saskatoon, Sask.

The dedication of the Mission Board of Minnesota District of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, through striving to provide services to the few widely scattered communicants and adherents coming to the Canadian west with the mass movement of settlers after the turn of the century, eventually brought rich reward.

Nothing could have been quite as discouraging to the first minister who arrived in Estevan in 1918. There was no one to greet him. First he had to find a place to live, then find prospects to form a congregation and finally was faced with the fact that services could not be held because of a flu epidemic and public gatherings were forbidden.

Today St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Estevan is justly proud of a church building valued at over $100,000, a manse, a congregation of over 440 souls of whom 300 are communicants, organized into departments active in Christian work and a budget of over $30,000.

Throughout the years other points have been served by Estevan pastors including Oxbow, Midale, Outram, Roche Percee, Tribune, Hitchcock, Hirsch, Huntoon, Halbrite and Macoun. At times this was a heavy responsibility cheerfully accepted by devoted pastors.

It was early in 1919 that Rev. W. A. Reitz had drawn together a nucleus of Lutherans with which to initiate a parish. They were the families of Ewald Meier, Th. Rosenau, Albert Rosenau and Debratz.

For a number of years services were held first in the Methodist Church and then in the Baptist Church. The mission became an organized congregation of the Missouri Synod in 1925 with 41 communicant members. Two lots were purchased on Second Street in April 1929 on which was built its first church. This was to become its home for the next 34 years. It was dedicated July 1, 1930.

Financing was difficult during the depression years but by 1939 surge in growth took place. By 1944 there was a congregation of 158 with a budget of $1600.

A parsonage was purchased on Second Street in 1941. Ten years later $7000 was spent enlarging the church to seat 200 people. In 1954 Midale and Outram parishes were united with Estevan to form one self-sustaining parish.

By 1961 it again became evident that a still larger church building was needed. Property was purchased on Souris Avenue North on which the new edifice was erected. This was dedicated on November 22, 1964. Its illuminated tower with shining cross, brilliant in the darkness of night is a continuing symbol of that dedication.

Pastors from the beginning were W. A. Reitz, Leopold Krueger, K. E. Eisele, H. C. Wolters, Lutz, D. R. Ludwig, A. E. Koslowsky, L. S. Winter, K. J. Durdel, M. H. Leedahl, J. C. Werschler, Dressler, L. A. Koehler, J. Kemp. The present pastor Rev. R. K. Holm was installed August 7, 1960 by his father Rev. B. Holm.

Officers at the time of dedication were: William Hahn, president; Frank Demeter, vice-president; Erwin Krueger, secretary; Beric Williams, treasurer; Clarence Mantei, financial secretary.

Elders: Reuben Jahn (chairman), Paul Kolke, William Fiest, Frank Stobart, John Berglof, Frank Haberstock.

Trustees: John Jahn (chairman), Arnold Schlapkohl, John Clarke.

Stewardship Board: Harvey Haberstock (chairman), Ernie Morine, Vic Hahn, Beric Williams, Clarence Mantei.

Board of Missions: Harvey Wagner (chairman), Rudy Mantei, Alan Koch.

Building Committee: Alan Koch (chairman), William Fiest, William Hahn, Frank Stobart, Vic Hahn.

Furnishing Committee: John Cloke (chairman), Reuben Jahn, Fred Fischer, Leroy Arnst.

Dedication Committee: Valentine Schmegelsky (chairman), Paul Kolke, August Grube.

Organist: Miss Louise Fischer.

The Estevan congregation of this church was formed in 1955 and was served by a priest from Regina, who used the rectory of St. John the Baptist Church while engaged in his duties here.

In 1962 the parish purchased a building and moved it to a location on Perkins Street. It was renovated in keeping with a place of worship and church services have been carried on in it since that time.

A rectory was later acquired on adjoining property and since the spring of 1966 Father Obrarionuk, who had been coming from Regina has resided in it.

Associated with Estevan and served by the Father are the congregations of Tribune and Weyburn.

Those active in the church in its earlier years were Jerry Krupka, Pat Lukey, Nick Gulletta, Mrs. Polly Soroko, John Patoma and son, Nick Bugareski and later Nick Semesock.

A pioneer evangelist, H. A. Rogers, who began to conduct meetings in Oungre district in 1917 extended his work to Estevan and a congregation of the Church of Christ was formed here.

Meetings were held in a small remodelled chapel on Third Street. Prominent among the early members were the Thomas Orr family, Mr. and Mrs. A. Crist and Sons, Arthur, Elmer, Norris and Della Turner, Mrs. Ruth Magoon, Mrs. Esther Bailey, Mrs. M. Hedlund, Miss Anna Hedlund, Mrs. M. and Miss Kay Hedin, Mrs. Martin Larson, Mr. and Mrs. Fromberg and Mrs. Hans Peterson.

A basement was dug and a roof put on it on a lot bought on Second Street when the membership continued to grow. This was used as a chapel till 1927.

In 1922 J. E. Turner and Thomas Orr became elders and in 1923 F. A. Crist and Mr. Larson were appointed deacons.

Due to members moving away this property was sold and meetings were held in homes but by 1933 another building was acquired on First Street. Again removals caused this to be given up with meetings reverting to homes.

The present brick edifice was begun in 1947 with additional classrooms added in 1954 and in 1961 a large addition was made to the chapel together with a new auditorium and fellowship and classroom facilities.

The first wedding in the chapel was that of Miss Ivy Johnson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Johnson, to Mr. Ivar Kristianson in 1947.

A preacher's residence was built on 1817 Second Street in 1954.

Evangelists following H. A. Rogers were Norman Hoffman, Louis Pauls, Richard Dacus and Stephen Ennis. The present minister, J. E. Pennington came in 1965.

Over the years a number of members have gone to serve in other fields. Alvin Jennings who married Ellen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Christianson is now director of Star Direct Mail Evangelism in Hurst, Texas. Ray Pennock married Miss Marie Christianson and they are now in work in Vermont. Recently Earle Davis returned from training school to be associate minister and educational director here. His wife, Marilyn is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Barnstable.

In 1965 the Carl Johnson family left for the mission field of India.

Members of the trustee board are R. L. Goud, Dr. Ivar Christianson and Walland Drader.

The present membership represents about forty families.

Other church denominations represented in Estevan are Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah Witnesses.