BCATP
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Lancaster
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Media
BCATP
|
Lancaster
|
Media
The All Saints Anglican Church at Waterton Lakes National Park held its first service on July 1st, 1928. Prior to being demolished in 2014, it was noticed that the church's lectern featured a beautifully carved Royal Air Force crest. Our museum was contacted and, after indicating our interest, the lectern was donated to the museum.
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A document attached to the interior of the lectern indicates that it was built by Fred Walton ('Cabinet Maker and Polisher') of Calgary. During the Second World War, the Royal Air Force operated five training schools in Alberta - 36 Elementary Flying Training School at Pearce, 31 Elementary Flying Training School at De Winton, 37 Service Flying Training School at Calgary, 32 Elementary Flying Training School at Bowden, and 34 Service Flying Training School at Medicine Hat. It is not known at which of these stations that the lectern was used. However, it was somehow acquired by the Anglican Church at Waterton following the closing of the station and used at the church from 1944 or 1945 until its closure.  |
Now one of the museums most prized artifacts, the lectern stands at the front of the Joe English Room, where videos are shown and presentations to groups are held. The lectern is placed on the podium in the main hangar during our museum's special events that attract larger audiences.
