Christ the King
Claresholm AB

Christ the King Parish is a catholic church located in Claresholm, Alberta.

Sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated daily, while the Sacraments of Baptism, Matrimony, Penance, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick are available by appointment.

The church is under the ministry of Father Dominic Viet Hung Nguyen, parish priest.

 

https://www.christthekingclaresholm.ca/  

 

History of Christ The King Parish-Claresholm

Before there was a Catholic church in Claresholm, missionaries came and said Mass in a dark gloomy room over a blacksmith shop and later on the second floor of the Oudegarde Hall. About 1905, the first church was built northwest of the present church. Because it was too small, a large section was added in 1914. However, this building was never completed inside despite efforts to raise money. It was too large for the 1 and very difficult to heat.

In 1927, new lots were purchased (the present location) and the original small church was moved across the road to the new property. This became the sanctuary and the vestry of the new church. The floor from the large church was moved and installed in the new structure. The remainder of this latter building was torn down and the materials were used to build the nave of new church. This church was called St. Vincent’s (later renamed St. George’s) Roman Catholic Church.

In 1962, the church was again demolished to give way to a modern structure. This modern church was completed in July 1963 and was blessed and dedicated as Christ the King Church by Bishop Carroll.

The first priest who served Claresholm was Rev. A Beausoleil of High River. He served from 1908 to 1914 at which time he became a chaplain to the Canadian Army in World War I. From 1914 to 1916 the missions of Stavely and Claresholm were served by Rev. Wm Smith. During this time Nanton was a mission of Okotoks.

In 1916, Rev F.J. Hughes came to Granum and was appointed parish priest for the towns of Nanton, Stavely, Claresholm and Granum. He filled this post until 1933. At that time the parish was divided and Rev. Hughes continued to serve the towns of Granum and Claresholm. Following Rev Hughes was Rev. F.J. Fitzpatrick and Rev. D. Moreau.

In 1941, the Redemptorist priests were assigned in charge of the four towns of Nanton, Stavely, Claresholm, and Granum. Their headquarters was in Claresholm. They built a rectory at that time in Claresholm. Notable Redemptorist priests at this period were Rev. Coyne and Rev. Killingsworth.

Diocesan priests took over on May 1947 and Rev. Patrick O’Byrne was the first diocesan priest to become the parish priest. He worked alone (except for assistance form the Basilian Fathers from Calgary on Sundays). Rev. W. Krewski was appointed assistant priest in 1948. By 1950, masses were celebrated in Parkland and Barons became one time Mission of Claresholm.

Other diocesan priests (pastors and/or assistants) from that time forth were Fathers Cramer, Clancy, MacKay, Cooney, Mongeau, Tansay, O’Riordan, Truman, Van Tighem, Coupal, Connolly, Nguyen, de los Angeles, Marino, D’Souza, Angelo D’Costa, Tim Boyle, Fr.Philip Le and at present Fr. Dominic Viet Hung Nguyen is the new administrator.