There are some places where the landscape itself seems to invite prayer. My recent visit to Stanley Mission with Bishop Rick Reed and Archbishop Shane Parker, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, was one of those experiences.
The beauty of northern Saskatchewan, the deep history of the land, and the stories shared by those who know it well combined to create a pilgrimage that I will not soon forget.
One of the highlights of our visit was travelling by boat to Nistowiak Falls. The falls themselves are breathtaking, with the rushing, clear water speaking of both power and beauty. Yet it was the journey itself that proved equally memorable.
As we made our way along the Churchill River, navigating rapids and unseen dangers beneath the surface of the water, our indigenous guides drew our attention to ancient pictographs painted high on the rock face.
These remarkable red-ochre images have endured for centuries. They depict figures, animals and symbols left by indigenous peoples long before Europeans arrived in this land. Our guides explained that these were not simply artistic expressions, but practical signs for those travelling the waterways.
They served as ancient road maps, telling travellers what lay ahead: rapids to be navigated, moose to be found and other important features of the journey. They were signs left by those who knew the land intimately and who cared enough to guide those who would come after them.
I found myself reflecting on the generosity represented in those paintings. Someone took the time to leave markers that would help others travel safely. They trusted that future generations would see them, understand them and benefit from them. What a profound act of care across time.
Our trip on the river also included a visit to Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Stanley Mission, the oldest standing building in Saskatchewan. Sitting on its commanding rise overlooking the Churchill River, it is impossible not to feel the weight of history.
The church has stood faithfully for well over a century and a half, witnessing countless baptisms, weddings, funerals, celebrations and prayers, which we added to with our Book of Common Prayer Communion service celebrated by our Primate.
Surrounding the church are hundreds of graves, each bordered by beautifully painted, colourful wooden fences. Walking among them was a deeply spiritual and moving experience. Every grave tells the story of a life lived, a family remembered, and a community shaped by generations of faith.
The quiet beauty of the cemetery reminded me that we are never the first to walk the path of discipleship. We are surrounded by the faithful witness of those who have gone before us.
As I stood overlooking the Churchill River, I was struck by the connection between the ancient pictographs and Holy Trinity Church. At first glance, they seem to belong to very different worlds. One speaks through symbols painted on stone; the other through timber, stained glass, and the enduring witness of Christian worship. Yet both serve a remarkably similar purpose: both are signs for travellers.
Stanley Mission, the oldest building
in Saskatchewan, serves as a modern day reminder of ancient and present
faith and as a guidepost to faith in the sustaining power of God.
The pictographs guided canoeists along the river. The church has guided generations of Christians along the journey of faith. Both point beyond themselves. Both remind us that we do not make the journey alone, nor do we begin it from scratch. We inherit wisdom, stories and faith from those who came before us, and we are called to leave faithful markers for those who will follow us.
In every generation, Christians are invited to ask what signs we are leaving behind. Are our lives pointing others toward Christ? Are our churches places that help weary travellers find hope, direction and grace? Are we contributing something that future generations will receive with gratitude?
My time in Stanley Mission reminded me that faithful people have always left signs for the journey. Some were painted with red ochre on ancient rock. Others were built from timber overlooking a northern river. Today, the signs we leave may be less visible, but they are no less important.
Through lives of prayer, acts of compassion, faithful worship, and loving service, we too can help point others toward God who is our true guide on every journey.
For that reminder, and for the privilege of sharing this pilgrimage with Bishop Rick Reed, Archbishop Shane Parker, our indigenous guides, and the people of Stanley Mission, I give thanks to God.