NEWS RELEASE - Lamont County Churches Tour Revamped and Enhanced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Lamont County Churches Tour Revamped and Enhanced
February 9, 2024 – LAMONT, AB: Lamont County is the Church Capital of North America. With a strong cultural and religious past and present, over 40 churches have been established as historical churches. It is a tribute towards the hard work and determination of immigrants and pioneers, and a significant part of Lamont County history. The designation of historical churches is more per capita than anywhere else in North America.
“Lamont County has a strong history of churches and Ukrainian culture,” said Lamont County Reeve, David Diduck. “I encourage you to embark on a driving tour with your friends or family, and while you are here stop by a local restaurant, visit a unique retailer in one of the many villages, towns, and hamlets in the County, take a visit to the Ukrainian Cultural Centre or nearby Elk Island National Park, and experience why Lamont County is the Church Capital of North America.”
In fact, world-wide events continue to be held at churches and grottos in Lamont County annually, including an annual pilgrimage to the Skaro Shrine (Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto), that has been flocked to by people of all faiths for more than 100 years. There is also a monastery, grotto and museum run by the Basilian Fathers (The Congregation of St. Basil) in Mundare; as well as a significant historical reflection of churches past at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village—these are only a few of the tour highlights.
“The quality of life of any society is measured by the social and economic well-being of its citizens, and historic places such as churches play an important role in shaping the cultural life of all Albertans,” said Shane Olson, Economic Development Officer with Lamont County. “Demand for new cultural and tourism experiences continues to increase, including the desire to preserve historic places for future generations.”
Historically, part of this recognition included the opportunity to tour churches across the region with a printed booklet; this has now moved digital, revamped to include audio and video presentation to allow someone taking the tour to follow along with historical facts and travel the self-guided tour at their own pace.
“As the Church Capital of North America, Lamont County has a proud legacy as the birthplace of the oldest and largest agricultural settlement of Ukrainians in Canada,” adds Olson.
Those interested can visit https://lamontcounty.ca/churchtour for access to the video, audio and print versions of the tour. The Lamont County Church Tour is accessible as a full tour download and separated into regional church tours including: Bruderheim and Area; Lamont, Chipman, St. Michael and Area; Mundare and Area; Andrew and Area; and Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village.
The updated self-guided tour is now available and can be downloaded and taken anytime.
Experience the rich history of Lamont County and its many historical churches. Come and explore a part of Lamont County history!
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Media inquiries can be directed to:
Jay Zaal,
Communications Coordinator
780-895-2233 Ext. 222
jay.z@lamontcounty.ca | www.lamontcounty.ca/news
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