St. Jude’s Church began in 1896, built by five men using hand-sawn black poplar logs. Land was donated by George Rupert and Alex Knott; the first burial was Marie Knott. Jim Raven, a one-armed carpenter from Scanterbury, made the pews, Holy Table, and Shelf—some still in use. The bell came from Winnipeg’s first fire hall. The church expanded in 1931 with new sanctuary and vestries, and a stained-glass window was donated by the W.A.’s first president.
Early clergy included Rev. Coats, Rev. F. Longmore, Rev. G.E. Sage, and many others, often travelling great distances by foot, horse, or vehicle. Rev. Sage married at St. Jude’s in 1934. The church was led by a mix of resident clergy, visiting ministers, and lay readers, including Capt. W.A. Knight who served from 1948–1952.
St. Jude’s saw numerous improvements and memorials, including stained glass, new furnishings, and memorial plaques. The Parish Hall was eventually replaced by a former Catholic church with living quarters, purchased and dedicated in 1963. The last resident minister was Rev. R.H. Marsh; afterward, clergy came from Winnipeg or Selkirk. The W.A. (Women’s Auxiliary) has remained active, adding heat, carpet, and an electric organ.
Though numbers have dwindled, the spirit remains: “Where two or three are gathered, there I am.”
