Message From The President

Gary Hodder, President Alberta Conference

ABANDONED

This summer, Almyra and I were challenged to find things to do that would not involve being with many people. The summer of 2020 will be remembered as the COVID-19 summer. We have always enjoyed visiting historical places and so decided to visit the nearby abandoned (ghost) town of Bulwark. It is located a few miles east of the town of Stettler.

The first thing to greet us as we arrive at Bulwark is the historic local cemetery. As we walk through the well-caredfor cemetery, we become acquainted with the family names of people who lived in Bulwark during its active years. We even saw the name of one individual who shared the same name as my great grandfather: William Harding. No relation, I am sure.

Bulwark was first settled shortly after the turn of the 20th century by homesteaders, enticed by the federal government with free land and the promise of a prosperous future. When the railroad came from Coronation in 1914, it was the Village of Bulwark's official birth. Like so many other new settlements at that time, there was great hope for a bountiful future. It never had a population of over 100 citizens. Still, it grew to be a thriving community, important meeting place for grain farmers, and social center in which to buy supplies, attend a church function, and play sports.

At one time, it had few businesses, including three lumberyards, two general stores, a post office, and two churches. Financially, Bulwark was the heart of a huge grain district. One year, the little town’s Alberta Wheat Pool elevator took in the second-largest grain of any Alberta elevator.

Today, Bulwark is an abandoned town. The school closed in 1960, and the rail company closed its spur line a few years later. The already dwindling population read the writing on the wall and left. There are still a few, old, dilapidated buildings onsite—mostly homes. There are also a few cars left to rust in the tall grass. Among them is an old Ford pickup from the forties. Jesus knew the meaning of the word “abandoned.” As He hung on the cross, He lamented, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me." He must have felt the darkness of going through this experience seemingly alone.

Perhaps you have felt, at times, like you were living as one abandoned. You may be a senior citizen who now lives alone, and your fellow church members have largely forgotten you. Your spouse has left you abandoned. Perhaps your workplace has abandoned you during this time of pandemic, and your future prospects do not look bright. You might feel like you are living in Bulwark today with its eerie streets and forgotten past.

Jesus offers us hope for these times in our lives. Not only did He die for our sins, but He promises to call us to a far better future. One day, this world will be made new—no COVID-19 anywhere to be seen!