The Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Craigend was built in 1945. The historical church site is situated on Range Road 134, just north of the Craigend Hall on Highway 55, about 25 km. from Lac La Biche. The church was about 1,000 square feet in size. Over the past eight decades, the church was the site of many weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
The church had a significant place in the Craigend area since it was built in 1945 and served as a gathering point for the community, according to Carl Beniuk, president of Protection of The Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. “It certainly was part of the community for the last three generations,” Beniuk said. “It certainly served a purpose, and it was well respected throughout the years.”
The community celebrated the 80th birthday of the parish on May 31, 2025,” Kokotilo said, adding the church had continued to be used as a place of worship through the years. The anniversary celebration of the church included Bishop David Matiuk of Edmonton, three priests, a choir, and drew plenty of folks who turned out for occasion.
The church was pretty full,” Beniuk said, adding the celebration also included a banquet which was held at the Craigend Hall following the church service. “It was a real nice gathering.” Attendees shared memories they had of the church through the decades. The church had seen a lot of activity which has also kept the Ukrainian heritage of the area alive.
The Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Craigend, which has been a landmark in the agricultural community for just over three quarters of a century, was destroyed in an early morning blaze on July 2, 2025. Preliminary investigation points towards a lightning strike igniting the fire at around 4:50 a.m.
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GPS Co-ordinates: 54.610282, -111.920646
Affiliation: Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton
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