photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Gary Hebert | all galleries >> Galleries >> Churches > McDougall Church
previous | next
© 2005 © Gary Hebert

McDougall Church

Morley, Alberta

McDougall Church at Morley, Alberta, was built in 1875 by Reverend George McDougall.

It had long been the desire of George McDougall to open a mission among the Stoney-Nakoda and Blackfoot people of southern Alberta. Numerous factors had, up to that time, prevented a missionary effort, but by the early 1870s, McDougall felt the time was right.

By 1873, a smallpox epidemic and famine had devastated the area's Aboriginal population and alcohol and despair had weakened much of the community. As preparations for treaty negotiations began, a tribal council was held at the Pigeon Lake mission with both John and George McDougall present. At this meeting the Stoney-Nakoda people and missionaries agreed to the mission on the Bow River. The Morley mission would not only serve the Aboriginal people and oppose the whiskey traders, but also afford an opportunity to establish a more permanent relationship with the Blackfoot Nation.

Established during a period of discontent among the Aboriginal population, the Morley mission was received with mixed feelings. Many welcomed the arrival of the missionaries, hoping they would help combat the ravages of liquor and offer some relief from famine and war. Others among the tribe, however, were less receptive and kept their distance.

Olympus C-8080WZ ,Hoya HMC SQ C-Polarizer

other sizes: small medium large original auto
previous | next
comment | share
Bill Jones 19-Aug-2017 01:18
Sad ... The church was destroyed in a fire on May 22, 2017.
Tracy 31-May-2011 17:10
that is a beautiful picture. My great-great-great grandfather was George McDougall. it's nice to be able to see one of the churches he erected and to read about the work he did.
Matt Tolton09-Dec-2009 16:44
My aunt was married at this church, wonderful shot V
Guest 14-Mar-2005 03:47
Man! This is soo beautiful
don nieman13-Mar-2005 12:50
Beautiful photograph and interesting narrative. Thank you for sharing. I enjoy knowing the story behind the picture.
Karen Stuebing13-Mar-2005 10:53
Breath taking image with wonderful lighting and those mountains in the distance. Excellent history lesson as well.
Guest 13-Mar-2005 07:43
Excellent image, and great story as well