Fireworks at Seven Hills, social gatherings, the anticipated countdown from 10, the clinking of glasses and a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne — all telltale signs that 2011 has arrived. With the coming of another year and the departure of the previous, New Year’s Day makes us very mindful of the passage of time. We are all a little older and hopefully a little wiser. We recall past times and look ahead to new opportunities. For citizens of St. Albert, 2011 will evoke great nostalgia. More than this, it will bring some challenges.
This year we will mark a milestone in our city’s history. As a community we will celebrate 150 years of development, growth, innovation and service. Newcomers to our city will have an opportunity to learn about how our municipality came into being. It begins with the First Nations people who knew the benefits of the land and how the geography of this area was conducive to trade. The area then becomes St. Albert with the founding and building of St. Albert Parish in 1861 by Albert Lacombe.
It is intriguing to think that even before Canada became a country and 44 years before Alberta became a province, our fledgling community was formalized. The challenges at that time were many, weather aside. Now 150 years later, we are a thriving city of more than 60,000.
On any given Saturday or Sunday, the church bells of St. Albert Parish sing out their inviting peel and call people to gather for prayer, thanksgiving and celebration. The three bells, which were cast in France and given to Bishop Grandin, one in 1874 and the other two in 1887, are reminders of the parish as a gathering place. Over the past 150 years many people of diverse backgrounds and different faith traditions have come to call St. Albert home. What is important to remember about our city's history is that, in the spirit and faith-filled example of its forbears, we are invited to carry forth the legacy forged for us.
The St. Albert Parish community is calling this year a jubilee. Both the parish and the city will be conducting an array of celebratory events to promote awareness and appreciation for our history. The parish will launch the celebration on the weekend of Jan. 15. On Sunday, Jan. 16th, there will be a special performance of an enacted interview with Father Lacombe in the parish hall. All are invited to partake in this imaginative event, which will provide a rich sense of who Father Lacombe was and why he selected this area.
On this day of making resolutions and seeking positive ways to embrace the new year, perhaps we can take some time to reflect upon why we chose St. Albert as our home and how we, in our efforts to make a difference in the lives of others, will help shape the next 150 years. Happy Jubilee, everyone!
Tim Cusack is driving a Chevy to the Lieutenant-Governor's Levee today. It will be dry.
