An artifact that may date back to the late 19th century was recently uncovered during repairs to the old St. Vital Church in Battleford. Constructed in 1883 the church, which was designated a municipal heritage property in 1985, has sustained considerable damage due to a leaking roof in recent years and repairs have been initiated to correct the problem. Many in the community are hoping funding can be secured to return the old church to a useable condition in some capacity and to prevent it from sharing the fate of such other significant local historical resources as Government House.
When workers with Straight Line Contractors entered a previously inaccessible area under the roof of the building, they discovered what initially appeared to be an old chair stored there. The artifact was delivered to the Fred Light Museum where research has been initiated to determine its origins. The relic, which is generally chair-like in appearance and is in excellent condition, is approximately six feet tall and 30 inches square with the tall side being curved. It has handles on each side, a broad shelf across the top and a small shelf just beneath the top. The platform has a hinge on either side and there are no discernible markings on the relic that would indicate its maker.
While it was initially assumed the artifact was a bishop’s or presider’s chair, some aspects of its construction brought that assumption into question. The small shelf near the top of the back would have prevented an average-sized person from sitting back on the platform comfortably and hinges on either side of the platform served no apparent function, as did the handles on either side of the exterior.
A discussion with one of St. Vital’s local parish historians, Eugene Lepitzki, led to photos of the relic being shared with Brother Don Clarehout OMI, formerly with the local Parish and now in St. Albert who believes the artifact is a portable pulpit. The hinges on either side of the platform would have connected to a fold-down step, the shelf at the top is broad and deep enough to set reading material on while delivering sermons and the inside shelf may have been designed to hold containers of holy oils and other materials used in religious rituals. Close examination of the platform reveals wear from standing on it and there are scuff marks with staining possibly caused by boot polish on the upright portion slightly above where it joins the platform.
The opinion that the artifact is a pulpit is gaining traction with others in the Roman Catholic community and archivists with Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Edmonton Dioceses have joined local historians in the search for the relic’s history.
Anyone who may have old documents or photos from the church’s early days is encouraged to search for mention of the artifact or photos that would help determine its origins. Information can be forwarded to [email protected].
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