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Sunday 13 December 2020

Sunny and zero

Mt. Royal is a small farming community in the centre of western Prince Edward Island. We visited the area to see the grave of a local World War 2 veteran I have been researching recently. The cemetery borders a road through farmland, a fitting place for an Islander to rest. 




It was a cold but sunny day with the temperature hovering around zero. The freezing air meant the light covering of snow hugged the grass.


To get to Mt. Royal you drive through Coleman where this little church keeps a silent vigil. 





It doesn’t look like the church is in use now but a search on-line reveals it was the Free Church of Scotland, built around 1900.


The spire looked unique but I didn’t get a clear photo. In this area settled by Scottish immigrants generations ago, 




it is not surprising to learn the spire consists of a thistle. The church was in use at least until 2012.


While the population of the island has increased, mainly due to immigration, rural parts of Prince Edward Island are seeing an increase in the number of empty properties. Seniors are moving to larger centres and fewer people are left to support the local churches.


Leard’s Pond in Coleman has a picnic area where my husband and I hope to picnic in the spring. The pond looks cold this day as the slight breeze ripples the surface of the water.  





The yellowed grasses around the pond, moved ever so slightly by the breeze,





whispered as I stood and took in the scene. An occasional vehicle happened by but the peacefulness of the setting with the sound of the breeze in the grass made the cares of the world disappear. 





Sunny and zero made a perfect combination for a December drive in the country.













27 comments:

Boud said...

That's known to Scots as the Wee Free church. How does the spire consist of thistles? I'm puzzled. Lovely outing.
Are you a local history buff?

Bill said...

A beautiful and crisp day with nice scenery. I like the little church, it's pretty.

Anvilcloud said...

I didn't know there was a Mt Royal anywhere but Montreal, but I think their mountain is a little higher. :)

Nice church btw.

photowannabe said...

This post just shows Peace in every photo.
I can hear the wind making the grasses sing.
This looks like a perfect place for a picnic in the Spring.
The church is beautiful and would make a wonderful Christmas card.
Sue

Martha said...

Beautiful photos as always, but way too cold for me! I love the pretty little church. Stay warm and cozy :)

DJan said...

I love the fact that the spire is constructed of thistles. They have held up well, it seems. :-)

Tanza Erlambang said...

cold....but, the sky so clear....beautiful images...perfect place to visit.

Have a wonderful day

Helen said...

Brisk cold but stunning winter scenes. Simply beautiful.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Your words describe a lovely peaceful scene. I love that little church as well. So pretty.

Rose said...

That is a beautiful little church. Are you going to tell us about the veteran when you get your research done? I love the pics of the pond...I would love to be there...

Red said...

Awesome photos for an early winter's day.

Debbie said...

it is such a beautiful place and the church is lovely!! with a temperature of zero it is surprising to see that the water is not frozen!!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

What a pretty church. It is sad the church is not being used. It would be nice to see young people moving in when the seniors are leaving. Your found a lovely picnic area, I love the views. Take care, have a great week!

Retired Knitter said...

Oh my I love that little church. So glad it is well taken care of.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

A beautiful day for a drive, and it looks like social distancing wasn't an issue when you got out of the car!

Goldendaze-Ginnie said...

Looks like a lovely spot ... it will be interesting to compare these photos with ones you take when you come back when it's warmer.

Liz Hinds said...

I do love a good cemetery!

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Beautiful little church. I hope some day it will be filled again.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Zero and sunny, that sounds like my perfect day Marie 💙 The lakes do look like a lovely spot for a picnic and possible bird sightings, enjoy when you go for that drive ✨

Margaret said...

Lovely church and I enjoy any blue sky this time of year. Looks like a beautiful drive.

William Kendall said...

It feels wonderfully peaceful.

Mage said...

I love old cemeteries and older churches.

Celia said...

Found a photo of the Thistle Spire on the Coleman Church. Amazing and it's held up so long. https://peiheritagebuildings.blogspot.com/2012/09/church-of-scotland-coleman.html?m=0

I learn so much from your posts. They send me off to learn.

John's Island said...

The Free Church of Scotland is classic. Your photo would make a cool postcard. It is really great to be able to explore PEI thanks to you and your camera. Thanks, as always, for sharing. PS Leard’s Pond … what a great spot for a picnic!

Rhodesia said...

Interesting post. We did a tour of all the war graves in France and surrounding countries a few years back. Found a lot of our own family. Cheers Diane

baili said...

enchanting views dear Marie but i could feel the penetrating cold weather through my veins brrr

loved the tiny church ,look elegant and serene indeed

it is astonishing to see that pond was not frozen even in such cool days ,CAPTIVATING images of water that look so poetic and charming through your words and capture as always :)

beauty of this area seems divergent and significance of each page displays uniqueness belong to each season differently ,exquisitely

Susie of Arabia said...

What a beautiful quaint little church - very picturesque