It's too early to say what form the McDougall Church historic site will take, but there's a sense of renewal, perhaps even healing from past misgivings, as members of the McDougall Stoney Mission Society look to the future.

Only a few weeks have passed since the first permanent Protestant church in Southern Alberta was destroyed by fire and the shockwaves it created were not enough to stop the tradition of holding a commemorative spring service on the second Sunday in June. In fact, it became a rallying point that attracted upwards of 140 people on June 11.

"We wanted to continue the practice but we wanted to change the focus because in a way we couldn't have a typical McDougall Church service," explains Dr. Wayne Holst, "but we wanted a gathering, and we wanted to make it inclusive as possible." 

Several speakers came forward sharing stories of the past and spoke with passion about the future and among them were descendants of  Rev. George McDougall, who first scouted Morleyville as a possible mission location in 1872 before establishing the church in 1875. Descendants John McDougall, Cathy Epp and society chair Ron Moore spoke of the significance of the church to their families and Elder JR Twoyoungman, Bill Snow and Chris Twoyoungman told of its role as the "old church" in the Stoney Nation.

Society chair Moore was impressed with the feedback received and looks forward to see how it translates into contributions to the church's restoration. Even when the insurance claim is finalized, Moore anticipates extra funds will be required for the restoration.

"It's not setttled yet and my guess is it will not cover the cost of restoring the building," says Moore.

Beyond the insurance money question, there are other answers sought and discussions to be had before the society can move forward. They have not seen the results of the fire investigation nor do they know where Alberta Culture and Tourism stands on the future of the historic site.

"it's a provincial historic site," explains Moore, "and anything that happens here has to meet their approval,"

Donations were accepted during the commemorative event and there's other outlets available to make a contribution. Donations are being accepted at a GoFundMe account established by Iris Sikina here or through any ATB Financial branch. Tax receipts are available for donations made directly to the McDougall Stoney Mission Society.

It was Moore's great grandfather who built the mission and he's been coming to the church as far back as he remembers.

"I've been coming out here since the beginning of me," says Moore.

Society secretary Sarah Harvey looks forward to the day they rebuild and expressed gratitude for the rush of many donations they have received, including pews and pianos.

"I hope to rebuild some day because I'd like to park my car in the garage someday," she said, raising a laugh from the crowd.

She, as well as Moore, point out there's much more to the historic site than the church and she hopes to have it open this summer and called upon volunteers to step forward to help make it possible.

Holst, reverend and religious studies professor at the University of Calgary, believes they need to take time and says the course they take could serve as a stepping stone to help mend some ill-feelings and divisions of the past.

"One of the problems over the years is was that it was kind of a barrier between the Stoney people and the church. They saw it as a sacred place, but they didn't always seen things positively. And we went through an era when there was a lot of native resentment against missionaries and whites but I think today you heard the voice of the younger people who don't share those feelings."

He believes it could become a top-notch provincial, even federally, historic site that gives visitors a real sense of Southern Alberta and the Stoney Nation.

"I think we need to reenvision the whole site here. We need a visitors place, a place where people can come and talk with each other and maybe have some exhibits and washrooms, not just a church building. We need to talk about Stoney history, too. That's going to be very important."

But first, it's important to have all the players at the table.

"In a sense it puts us all on the same playing field, for a long time we weren't ."

 The fall service will also go ahead as scheduled on Sept. 11.