Hello Ormiston and District alumni,
It’s time for an update and notice of a special event from the newly formed Ormiston & District Historical Society.
Since our last communication late in 2024, announcing the formation of the society and its objectives, the project has started to come together. In April, the first official meeting was held in Ormiston. The committee attended to share information, discuss preservation of the buildings and plan for a historical museum of the district.
The leases of the Ormiston Church and manse are now owned and managed by the society. The church is still used for Sunday services and will be for much of 2025. The church has been well maintained and will be sustained by the society. The church can be used for memorials, weddings or special celebrations. Eventually, the basement of the church will be a place that commemorates the history of all churches and faiths in the district.
The manse has a different focus. The former residence of the pastors for the church will soon become Heritage House. The building will undergo a renovation next month and Heritage House will be opened on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Heritage House is the community venture of the new society. In time, it will become a museum featuring the history of farming and ranching, salt mining, commerce on Main Street, the rail line and the regional park, complete with artifacts and photographs. School history, including rural district schools, Ormiston schoolhouses and Crane Valley School will be embraced at Heritage House. On July 27, a preview of Heritage House will be unveiled. One-hundred years of history, from the completion of the railway to life in the district today, will be shared on storyboards.
Come out and be part of all or some of the day that celebrates the handoff of the properties to the society. See below for initial details on the opening of Heritage House and a program at the Ormiston Community Hall.
🗓 Save the Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025
✝️ 10:00 a.m. – Church Service
🎉 11:15 a.m. – Ceremony to officially transfer the properties
🏠 11:30 a.m. – Heritage House Grand Opening
Tour the displays and explore a preview of the museum.
🍽 12:30 p.m. – Catered Lunch at Ormiston Community Hall
(Small charge at the door)
🎤 1:30 p.m. – Afternoon Program (details to come)
Please RSVP to Bill at blamberton[at]classiccanadiantours.com
One more update with details on the program and lunch will be sent out in June. Meanwhile, we sure hope you will join us to launch this initiative. You are part of a small alumni, but everyone interested in the district and the potential of the heritage project are very welcome to attend. Please RSVP early and spread the word!
We look forward to seeing you this summer.
Bill Lamberton
Committee Chair