Site #28: St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church
Visible for kilometers in every direction, the twin spires of St. Joseph’s are an iconic landmark of the Riverlands. Often referred to as the “Cathedral of the Parkland,” this building stands as a monument to the faith and ambition of the French-Canadian pioneers who founded the Marcelin district.
The Work of Theodore de Byl
The church’s striking appearance is the work of renowned architect Theodore de Byl. According to the Saskatchewan Register of Heritage Assets, de Byl was noted for designing grand churches for French-Canadian communities across Western Canada using local brick and fieldstone. Completed in 1923, this building replaced the original 1904 wooden church from the old townsite.
A Center of Education and Faith
For decades, the parish was the heart of the community. As documented in the local history book Bridging the Years, the site included a convent where nuns taught school and music to local children. The parish served as the primary social and spiritual hub for French and Polish families throughout the northern Riverlands.
Architectural Significance
Now a Municipal Heritage Property, the church is celebrated for its Romanesque revival style and intricate brickwork. The twin spires were a visual symbol of the community’s permanence and success. Upon its completion, it was formally renamed St. Joseph’s Parish, Marcelin, marking the start of a new chapter at the current townsite.