Last week, the Big Valley Historical Society put up a new Royal Union flag (Union Jack) at the “blue church” on the hill. Some people have been wondering why we would fly the “British flag” here in Big Valley. Two reasons have been put forth by the society: First, the church was built in 1916 and the Union Jack was the flag flown by Canada in at that time. The second, and by far the most interesting, reason is to pay tribute to one British woman, a Mrs. Carolyn Leffler, who by knitting and selling children’s clothing, raised $500.00, to contribute to the building of an Anglican church wherever it was most needed on the Canadian prairies. In 1914, she sent this money to the Anglican Diocese of Calgary with a letter indicating her wishes.
Fortunately for Big Valley, at the time, a prosperous mining centre with a well-established ranching community, there was a congregation here large enough to earn this honour and the Diocese chose Big Valley as the most logical choice for a new church.
A site overlooking Main Street on top of the valley edge was chosen and the church, named St. Edmund’s was virtually completed by the end of 1916. Interesting to note, Mrs. Leffler’s money was enough to build the church, though it didn’t get the steeple until 1922. You definitely couldn’t build a church nowadays for $500.
The Big Valley Elks will be holding their annual Memorial Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 31. Registration and breakfast will be at the clubhouse from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. with tee off at 10.30 a.m. Mixed teams will play nine holes in the Texas Scramble format. Beef-on-a-bun and prizes will follow the golf action. The Elks would like to encourage everyone to join them in a fun-filled day of golfing, fellowship and entertainment.
The year is quickly winding down for the Big Valley 4-H Beef Club. They are very pleased with their club’s growth to 20 members this year. Club members will be participating in the Stettler District 4-H Beef Show and Sale on May 19 and 20 at the Stettler Agriplex. Judging for the female show begins at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19 with the steer competition scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20. The awards banquet and steer sale follow that same evening. All community members are invited to take in the show and sale to watch club members showcase their year-end projects. For more information contact Cheryl Bartley at 403-740-2813.
The Village of Big Valley has organized their first “Trash to Treasure” event for Monday and Tuesday, May 26 and 27. This is an opportunity to get rid of unwanted but usable items (furniture, appliances, household items, etc.) while giving other residents the opportunity to pick up items for free. Just set out items you wish to give away where you usually place your trash for these two days and label them “Free”.
Remember one person’s trash can be another person’s treasure.
BIG VALLEY BULLETIN