The restored homestead of Rev. Alexander Forbes was unveiled last May in Grande Prairie, Alta., recognizing Forbes’ journey to the area 100 years earlier, and proclaiming to residents the legacy of Presbyterian presence in Grande Prairie.
The homestead now boasts fresh white paint and green trim, newly landscaped lawns, wrought iron fencing and the word “Forbes” across the top of its gate — signs of a $250,000 restoration that took 10 years to complete. Members of Forbes Church solicited funds from every government, city and county source and spent hours selling tickets, stuffing envelopes and meeting together.
Forbes and his wife, Agnes came to Grande Prairie in 1910. Their trip north reads like an adventure novel, with temperatures at -40 C when they arrived in February. Photos show Agnes, in her long black skirt, standing outside a tent, surrounded by snow. They had travelled in a caboose mounted on sleigh runners, for the 300-mile, 73-day journey.
In 1911, they settled on a patch of land and built a small log cabin, which became the first Grande Prairie Hospital. The couple lived in their caboose until a manse was attached to the tiny hospital, which contained accommodation for several patients and an attending nurse. Forbes left Grande Prairie in 1925.
Forbes Church has been celebrating the 100th anniversary with special music, homecoming events, anniversary dinners, children’s penny arcades, special cookbooks and fashions from the past. — Patricia Schneider
