We are thrilled to introduce Faith House, the newest addition to Camp Kannawin. This building, made possible through the generous support of Faith Presbyterian Church in Fort McMurray, arrived at the camp on May 30th. Many of you who visited over the summer likely witnessed its assembly in progress.
Faith House is a heated facility that provides the camp with indoor accommodations for winter use, making it suitable for groups year-round. The building features six bedrooms, each equipped with a bunk bed, accommodating a total of 12 guests. Across the hall, there is a bathroom with three showers, seven sinks, and 5 toilets to serve these rooms.
Additionally, Faith House includes a private suite, separate from the main accommodations. The suite features a single bed, an attached full bathroom, and a small desk. Its purpose is to provide working members of the church with a convenient place to stay when visiting the area for meetings or events, available for a small donation.
Faith House represents a legacy of faith, generosity, and community effort. The funds for this project came to the camp through the sale of the manse and closure of Faith Presbyterian Church. While this transition was bittersweet, we hope that Faith House serves as a lasting tribute to the church’s impact and a place where countless new memories will be made.
The creation of Faith House would not have been possible without the support and contributions of numerous individuals and organizations. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks:
- Grizzly Energy Services Ltd.
For transporting the building from the auction site in Cochrane, delivering it to the camp, and expertly lifting it into place. - Skocdopole Construction Ltd.
For locating and installing the water and gas lines, hydrovacing the ground, and loaning equipment for other projects around the camp. - Phil Smith Electric Ltd.
For providing and assisting with the installation of electrical supplies for the building and continually supporting the camp’s electrical needs. - Richard and Kent Anderson
For clearing trees to make way for the building’s placement. - The Presbytery of the Northwest
For gifting the funds that enabled this project to become a reality.
We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the Bowden Work Crew, whose dedication has been vital to the camp for the past 25 + years. Their tireless work and craftsmanship made Faith House possible.
This incredible team disassembled the building in Cochrane within four days, assisted Grizzly Energy with loading it for transport, and has since devoted countless hours to its reconstruction. They installed the roof, built the hallway and stairs, and completed numerous other tasks essential to the project. Their pride in their work and commitment to the camp have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Finally, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Faith Presbyterian Church. This building would not have been possible without their vision and generosity. Although the circumstances that brought this opportunity to Camp Kannawin were difficult, Faith House now stands as a way to honour the church’s legacy.
We invite members of Faith Presbyterian to visit and see the building whenever you are in the area. Faith House will serve as a place where lives are transformed, faith is nurtured, and memories are made for years to come.
History of Faith Presbyterian Church
The Faith Presbyterian Congregation was established in November, 1980 and the official recognition was on Wednesday, January 7, 1981 in Fort McMurray, AB. At this time there were 32 congregant members and many adherents. A manse was purchased which became a home for the Minister but also a meeting place for the people.
Without a church building Faith Church was a nomadic congregation. The Sunday morning Church services were held in many places starting out in private homes, school classrooms, community theaters, other church buildings, back to school theater and the final home was the sanctuary at St. Thomas Anglican Church in Fort McMurray.
The faith, commitment and flexibility of the congregation over the years was tremendous. However, outside events had a great impact on the membership of Faith Church: 2 major floods [2013 and 2020] a forest fire [2016] but still the door remained open to all.
The Mission Statement of Faith Church was. “Faith Presbyterian Church is a Community, actively following the teachings of Jesus Christ so that others may know him and love him”.’ Faith Church worshiped with enthusiasm, teaching the good news, and serving sacrificially In other words to simplify the mission statement –we serve, we celebrate, we inspire faith.
In March, 2020, came the Pandemic —Faith Church once again adapted and started live –streaming the Sunday worship services from the meeting room at the Manse. In October,2020 Faith Church started holding both “in-person” and “live-streaming” during the service. From October, 2020 until March, 2022, Faith Church realized that the in – person Congregation was diminishing and Faith Church realized it could not continue without “the people“.
A decision was made in early fall, 2022, to dissolve Faith Church and the Presbytery held a Service of Recognition of the ministry on Sunday, October 30, 2022. The Manse was put up for sale and Presbytery of the Northwest gifted some of this fund to Camp Kannawin to build this building.
How you can help!
While the efforts of many individuals and organizations have brought Faith House to where it is today, there’s still work to be done!
We are seeking support through skilled labor or monetary donations to help us complete this project. Tasks include installing siding, painting the hallway, laying flooring, finishing utility connections, and more.
For monetary donations, here are the ways you can contribute:
- Donate Online using the Canada Helps portal.
- Donate Online using Tithe.ly
- Send an Interac E-Transfer to: treasurer@campkannawin.ca
- You will not need to setup a security question as E-Transfer’s are automatically deposited.
- If possible please include your: Full Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, E-mail Address, and please indicate that this is a donation in the message of the transfer.
- Send a donation cheque to:
Camp Kannawin
Attn: Treasurer
Box 9240
Sylvan Lake, AB Canada
T4S 1S8
If you are sending a donation, please either send us an email or indicate in the donation that you wish for the money to be used towards Faith House.
If you’re able to lend a hand or contribute, please contact us at info@campkannawin.ca. Your support will help us make Faith House a welcoming space for everyone!