Cook's Creek, Manitoba, August 14, 2004 -- Parks Canada today announced the unveiling of a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque to commemorate the national historic and architectural significance of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception, a national historic site of Canada, at Cook's Creek, Manitoba. The people of this community are fortunate to celebrate a historic site like the Church of the Immaculate Conception that continues to serve in its original function as a place of worship. The Government of Canada appreciates the importance of history and what it means to the members of this parish and community who continue to work to preserve this church and to promote its history. The Church of the Immaculate Conception, built between 1930 and 1952, is one of the most ambitious and accomplished buildings designed by the Reverend Philip Ruh. An early missionary to Ukrainian settlers in Canada, Ruh was also a prolific and imaginative designer of early Ukrainian Catholic churches in Canada, including many in his later career, while he was resident priest at Cook's Creek from 1930 to his death in 1962. This multi-domed, Kievan-style church, often called a "Prairie Cathedral", is remarkable for its size, complexity of massing, and its delightfully painted interior and exterior surfaces. Built on a cash basis and using volunteer labour, the church was erected by its parishioners, despite the economic adversities of the Great Depression and the Second World War. Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment about the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada's history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value. It is one means of educating the public about the richness of our cultural heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations. Information: Lianne Roberts Executive Services/Media Relations Manitoba Field Unit Parks Canada (204) 984-1758 Backgrounder associated with this News Release. UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION COOK'S CREEK, MANITOBA
