Raven Union Church

From Grub Axe to Grain

The Raven Union Church was built with the teamwork of local pioneers in 1926.  The local Ladies Aid Society raised funds via quilt raffles, chicken suppers, and producing plays in Caroline.  The men in the community cut and hauled logs from the West country with their horse teams and wagons.  The land was donated by the Shaw family. Various “work bees” saw everyone working together to construct the little log church. 

Since the area was settled, the Raven Community Center has been responsible for the upkeep of the Raven Union Church, the Raven Cemetery, and the North Raven School.  Each of the historic buildings requires maintenance and yard care.  For example, the Church required a new roof in 2005, which was paid for via donations and County support.  The south boundary fence and benches were replaced in 2024 by donation.  Standing deadwood trees were removed in 2024 with donated equipment and time.  All the projects were completed with local, volunteer labor. 

The Community Club’s only sources of revenue are plot sales, donations, and County grants.  The County of Red Deer has a small annual grant allotted for Cemetery care; an additional capitol grant can applied for every five years.  Plot prices have been increased, as maintenance costs have also increased.   The local pioneers did a wonderful job of constructing the Church.  However, time is taking its toll on the historic structure.  The chinking is starting to fail, there is excessive weathering of some logs, and the window frames are showing their age.  Quotes to complete the restoration work indicate that additional fund raising is required please donate if you can.

---

---