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Gary Hebert | all galleries >> Galleries >> Canadian Rockies > McDougall Church 2
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26-MAR-2006 © 2006 Gary Hebert

McDougall Church 2

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.


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Konrad Busslinger19-Oct-2007 18:42
Very lovely photo. Love the clouds and the way to church.
Karen Stuebing27-Mar-2006 10:35
Wonderful composition with the lane and shadows leading up to the church. Nice commentary and history too.
Bryan Murahashi27-Mar-2006 05:30
Great composition and photo. Thanks for the story.
Guest 27-Mar-2006 04:07
Great story & picture
Guest 27-Mar-2006 04:04
Very nice shot and composition.
Guest 27-Mar-2006 03:52
Great shot Gary
Guest 27-Mar-2006 03:23
Love the lines leading up to the church.
Graham Tomlin27-Mar-2006 03:18
good picture regards Helen
Bryan Ramsay27-Mar-2006 02:57
Very nice composition, interesting history. -BJ
Pat Hemlepp27-Mar-2006 02:53
Excellent composition. A very striking image.
Guest 27-Mar-2006 02:41
Great composition of the photo.

Great lesson in the expansion of the "New World".

We are artists with the camera, but we can be more by passing on information on the history of our subjects.
Gayle P. Clement27-Mar-2006 02:04
Beautiful sky and wonderful perspective. I enjopyed reading the history.
Guest 27-Mar-2006 01:40
Great composition.
lgprice27-Mar-2006 01:14
I like this. Nice lines against the soft western landscape.
Guest 27-Mar-2006 00:58
Nice perspective and composition. And, thanks for the history lesson.