Christ-King Parish (Stettler, Alta.)

• Christ the King Parish

The Catholic roots in the Stettler area began in 1906 with the arrival of French missionaries who cared for many of the French settlers. Irish Priests also came to take care of our settlers' faith needs.

Before any church was built, religious service took place generally at the home of a Mr. Sewerd. Construction of the first church began in March 1907 under the direction of Fr. Pierre Bazin, P.S.M. It was a very small building measuring 16’ x 14’. It was not blessed and was later sold so that the money could be used for a for a second and larger church.

In the spring of 1909, a new church was built, 28’ x 40’, with a sanctuary measuring 14’ x 14’. This construction was built under the care of Fr. Jean Joseph Bazin, who resided in Stettler, and served or visited numerous other places.

Bishop Emile Legal, OMI, blessed the church on April 17, 1910 and dedicated it to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

In November 1945, lots 37 and 38 in Block 36 were purchased by Rev. Ernest Battle for a new church property and lots 11-14 inclusive were sold.

On April 2, 1946, Mrs. Frances Ida Cary took possession of the lots and rectory she had purchased from the Stettler parish.

In August 1947 construction of a new Parish Hall was begun on the south-west corner of the new church site. It measured 32’ x 60’ with a full concrete basement which was to serve as a church until the new one would be built.

In May 1948, Archbishop J.H. MacDonald granted the permission to proceed with the construction of the new church. Rev. Ernest Battle requested that the church be dedicated to Christ the King; Archbishop MacDonald granted the request on Oct. 5, 1950. On November 22, 1950, the church was blessed by Monsignor W.B. Carleton, V.G.

Stettler Catholic parish has no cemetery. Stettler funerals take place in the Lakeview Cemetery owned and operated by the Town of Stettler. Other funerals outside the town but within the Parish limits usually inter the dead at the municipal district cemetery of the district in which they resided.

During its history Christ-King Parish in Stettler has served the following missions:
1930-1932: Ewing
1932-1937: Ewing, Delbourne
1937-1939: Ewing, Delbourne, Alix, Bashaw, Manfred, Mirror, Godsley
1939-1940: Ewing, Delbourne, Alix, Bashaw, Manfred, Mirror, Stettler
1940-1950: Ewing, Delburne
1950-1951: Delburne
1951-1952: Ewing
1969-1995: Big Valley
1995-1999: Castor-Coronation-Veteran-Consort
1999-2001: Castor, Consort, Veteran
2001-2002: Castor, Consort, Big Valley, Delburne, Veteran
2002-2005: Castor, Consort, Delburne, Veteran
2005-2006: Castor, Consort, Delburne
2006-2011: Castor, Delburne

The following priests have served at Christ-King Parish:
1910-1913: Rev. Jean Joseph Bazin, Pastor
1913-1924: Rev. H. Voisin, PSM, Pastor
1924-1970: Rev. Ernest Battle, Pastor
1970-1978: Rev. Michael Blanch, Pastor
1978-1987: Rev. Guy Carriere, Pastor
1987-1991: Rev. Wm. McCormack, C.S.Sp, Pastor
1991-1994: Rev. John Van Dyk, C.S.Sp., Pastor
1994-1999: Rev. Ken West, Pastor (also serving Castor)
1999-2000: Rev. Gregory Bittman, Pastor
2000-2003: Rev. Mark McGee, Pastor
20030-2005: Rev. Paul Kavanagh, Pastor
2005-2012: Rev. Arlan Parenteau, Pastor
2012-Present: Rev. Donatus Ihekwoaba, Pastor