Welcome to the official website page for the Midnapore Church of England Society (MCES). We are a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization with the privilege of being the steward of the historic St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Midnapore, Alberta.
MCES raises funds each year to ensure that the historic chapel, its contents, the grounds and the cemetery are preserved, restored and maintained so that this beautiful piece of Alberta’s history may be enjoyed by future generations to come.
This page has been created not only to increase awareness of historic St. Paul’s Church, but also as a means for those who have a history with the Church to stay connected. Whether you grew up attending St. Paul’s, have family members buried in the cemetery, are interested in Alberta history or simply have driven by and wanted to know more about “the little Church in Midnapore”, we hope this will be a great resource for you. You can also check out our Historic St. Paul's Facebook Page (click here)
Many of the photos included here are not dated, nor has their historical significance been recorded. If you can help us identify any information, we would love to hear from you!
We believe we have captured an accurate history of St. Paul’s and are interested in continually adding more stories, photos and historical anecdotes to this website. If you have photos, stories, newspaper clippings or other items related to historic St. Paul’s, please contact us or one of our volunteers about how best to add, share and/or preserve your items.
If you have any comments or suggestions on the material posted about Historic St. Paul's, please contact us.
The Midnapore Church of England Society (MCES) was formally incorporated under the Societies Act in August 1995. MCES is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, including the Rector of St. Paul’s Anglican Church as an ex officio member.
The purpose of the Midnapore Church of England Society (MCES) is to raise funds to maintain, repair, preserve, restore and improve the Historic St. Paul’s Chapel, cemetery and grounds. MCES is a philanthropic arm of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in SE Calgary.
The motivation to form the society was provided by long time benefactor, parishioner and church warden James Miller Shaw, whose grandparents S.W. and Helen Shaw played a key role in building the church and establishing it as the centre of the Midnapore community.
We are always looking for people who have an interest in helping us maintain, preserve and promote the physical and cultural significance of Historic St. Paul’s Church.
Below are some of the areas we are in need of some added enthusiasm and expertise; please contact us if you’d like more information.
- Fundraising and special events
- Website and social media
- Archival research and records
- On-site maintenance
The following are some of the anecdotes and stories about “Why MCES Committee Members’ contribute and volunteer for the MCES?”
Robert: I grew up in Midnapore and my family is buried in the St. Paul’s Cemetry, I volunteer with MCES to stay connected with my family history and to do my part in ensuring both the church and my history are preserved.
Ros: I’m a 3rd generation Midnapore community member and have attended St. Paul’s since I was a baby. I’ve been actively involved in MCES since it’s inception and will continue to be; St. Paul’s is near and dear to my heart.
Earle: I am a member and past Warden of St. Paul’s Church. It’s important to me to preserve such a unique and beautiful piece of history.
Kerry: I enjoy volunteering for MCES because St. Paul’s a lovely church; it is the same age of my grandfather and if he were still alive, he would love it…it’s a neat place and I’m happy to help!
Terry: Being a 3rd generation member of St. Paul’s and one of the inaugural members of the Midnapore Church of England Society, I’m very proud of this little church and everything it represents. I feel it’s important that it’s maintained in perpetuity as it has earned it’s place in Alberta’s history. St. Paul’s has been and always will be a part of my personal history.
Linnea: I remember walking to church on Sundays with my grandmother and being in awe of St. Paul’s. I believe history needs to be protected in order for future generations to value and appreciate the present. The little chapel of St. Paul’s is one of the last remaining pieces of physical evidence that my family’s Canadian roots began in Midnapore – my great great grandparents helped build the church and many family members are buried in the cemetery.